The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a fresh advisory to Nigerians who hold dual citizenship, reminding them that American law requires all U.S. citizens to travel with a valid U.S. passport when entering or leaving the United States.
The mission stressed that the directive applies to every U.S. citizen, including Nigerians who have acquired American citizenship while retaining their Nigerian nationality, as well as children with dual citizenship.
According to the advisory, attempting to travel to or from the United States using only a foreign passport could result in travel disruptions, including denied boarding, delays at immigration checkpoints or other complications.
The U.S. Mission explained that possessing another nationality does not exempt American citizens from the legal requirement to use a U.S. passport for international travel involving the United States.
What Dual Citizens Should Know
Nigerians with dual U.S. citizenship are advised to ensure that their American passports remain valid before booking flights. They are also encouraged to carry both their U.S. and Nigerian passports when travelling to avoid unnecessary delays.
The advisory further noted that while a valid U.S. passport is mandatory for entry into and departure from the United States, travellers must also comply with Nigeria’s immigration regulations, which may require dual nationals to present a valid Nigerian passport when entering or exiting Nigeria.
The latest reminder comes amid continued efforts by U.S. authorities to ensure strict compliance with travel documentation requirements for American citizens, regardless of any additional nationality they may hold.
Travellers are therefore urged to verify the validity of both passports well ahead of their travel dates to ensure a smooth journey and avoid immigration-related challenges.