US warns its citizens: Travel with valid passports or risk denial at border

The United States government has reminded its citizens to carry valid US passports when travelling to and from the United States. The requirement applies to all US citizens, including children and those with dual citizenship.

In a post on X on Sunday, the United States Mission in Nigeria said, “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.”

Dual nationals cannot use foreign passports for ESTA

The mission added that “dual national U.S. citizens may not use their foreign passport to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization.” It noted that the Department of Homeland Security “routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens.”

This means Nigerians who also hold US citizenship cannot travel to America using their Nigerian passport and then try to secure entry under the visa waiver program. The ESTA is the online authorisation that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the US without a visa.

Plan ahead and check passport validity

The U.S. Mission also advised Americans living abroad to ensure their travel documents are up to date before planning a trip to the United States. “If you are a U.S. citizen or national and live abroad and plan to travel to the United States, make sure you do so with a valid U.S. passport,” the mission said.

It further urged travellers to renew passports that have expired or are close to expiring, adding, “Remember many countries require passports to have six months’ validity.”

For Nigerian businesses and travellers with dual citizenship, this is a straightforward reminder. If you hold a US passport, do not rely on your Nigerian passport when flying to the United States. Carry the correct document and check its expiry date well ahead of travel. A denial at the border could mean wasted tickets, missed meetings, and unexpected costs.