The United States passport has become the focus of a fresh travel advisory after the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria reminded American citizens with dual nationality that they must travel with a valid U.S. passport when entering or departing the United States.
The advisory serves as an important reminder for millions of dual citizens worldwide, particularly Nigerian-Americans, who may also hold another country’s passport. According to the U.S. Mission, travelling with only a foreign passport could lead to unnecessary delays, denied travel authorizations, or other complications at U.S. borders.
United States Passport Required by Law
The embassy emphasized that U.S. law requires every American citizen, including dual nationals and children with dual citizenship, to enter and leave the United States using a valid United States passport.
Holding another country’s passport does not exempt U.S. citizens from this legal requirement. Even if travellers possess valid travel documents from another nation, they are still expected to present their U.S. passport when crossing U.S. borders.
Foreign Passports Cannot Be Used for ESTA
The U.S. Mission also warned that dual U.S. citizens should not attempt to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) using their foreign passport.
According to the advisory, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTA applications submitted by individuals who are already U.S. citizens. ESTA is designed for eligible foreign visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program and is not available to American citizens.
Renew Your United States Passport Before Travelling
Officials urged Americans living overseas to verify the validity of their United States passport before making travel arrangements.
Travellers whose passports are close to expiration are encouraged to renew them well in advance of their planned departure. Many countries also require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, making early renewal an important step in avoiding travel disruptions.
Why the Reminder Matters
The latest advisory is intended to prevent common travel issues faced by dual nationals. Entering or leaving the United States with the wrong travel document may result in delays during immigration processing or complications with airline boarding requirements.
The embassy’s message reinforces that a valid United States passport is not simply recommended—it is the official travel document required for American citizens under U.S. law.
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What Dual Citizens Should Do
If you hold both U.S. citizenship and another nationality, travel experts recommend the following:
- Always carry your valid United States passport when travelling to or from the United States.
- Do not apply for ESTA using a foreign passport if you are a U.S. citizen.
- Renew your U.S. passport before it expires, especially if you have international travel planned.
- Check destination-country passport validity requirements before departure.
Following these guidelines can help avoid unnecessary travel delays and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.
Final Thoughts
The latest advisory from the U.S. Embassy highlights the importance of travelling with a valid United States passport for all American citizens, including those with dual nationality. As international travel continues to increase, staying informed about passport requirements can help travellers avoid avoidable disruptions and enjoy smoother journeys.
For dual citizens, the message is straightforward: whenever you enter or leave the United States, your United States passport should be your primary travel document.
