The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a reminder to dual citizens that they are legally obligated to use a U.S. passport when traveling into or out of the country. This rule covers everyone holding American citizenship, including children with dual nationality status.
Official guidance released by the mission clarifies that those holding dual citizenship cannot utilize a foreign passport to secure an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The Department of Homeland Security frequently rejects or nullifies ESTA applications if the applicant is identified as a dual U.S. citizen.
The mission strongly encourages U.S. citizens residing in Nigeria or other foreign countries to verify that their American travel documents are valid well ahead of any planned trips. Anyone with an expired or nearing-expiration passport should complete the renewal process immediately. Furthermore, the agency pointed out that numerous nations mandate that a passport must have a minimum of six months of remaining validity to be accepted for entry.
