ABUJA – The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reminded American citizens who hold dual nationality that they must use a valid U.S. passport when entering or leaving the United States, warning that failure to comply could affect their travel authorisation.

In an advisory posted on its official X account on Sunday, the embassy said the requirement applies to all U.S. citizens, including children with dual citizenship. It also warned that dual U.S. nationals must not use passports issued by their other countries of citizenship to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), noting that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) routinely rejects or cancels such applications.

“U.S. citizens are REQUIRED to enter and depart the United States on a U.S. passport. This requirement applies equally to U.S. citizens, including children, who are dual nationals,” the embassy stated. It added that, “Dual national U.S. citizens may NOT use their foreign passport to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ESTA). The Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens.”

The embassy further advised Americans living abroad to renew expired or soon-to-expire passports well before making travel plans. It also reminded travellers that many countries require passports to have at least six months’ validity before entry, urging U.S. citizens to check destination-specific immigration requirements before embarking on international journeys.