The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded Nigerians who hold both US and Nigerian citizenship that they are required to travel to and from the United States using a valid US passport.

The Mission also cautioned dual-national US citizens against applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) using a Nigerian or other foreign passport, noting that such applications may be denied or cancelled by the US Department of Homeland Security.

US Passport Required for Dual Nationals

In its advisory, the US Mission reiterated that US citizens, including individuals who hold dual nationality, are subject to US passport requirements when entering or departing the United States.

Accordingly, a Nigerian who is also a US citizen should use their valid US passport for travel to and from the United States rather than attempting to rely on their Nigerian passport for entry.

The requirement applies regardless of whether the individual acquired US citizenship by birth, naturalisation or another lawful route.

Why ESTA Does Not Apply to US Citizens

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online travel authorisation system used by eligible nationals of countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program.

Eligible foreign nationals may use ESTA for qualifying short-term travel to the United States, generally for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a conventional visa.

US citizens, however, are not eligible to use ESTA to enter the United States as foreign nationals.

Consequently, a dual-national US citizen who attempts to use a Nigerian or another foreign passport to obtain ESTA authorisation may have the application denied or an existing authorisation cancelled.

Guidance for Nigerians with Dual Citizenship

The US Mission advises Nigerian-American dual nationals to take the following precautions:

• Maintain a valid US passport before making international travel arrangements;
• Use the US passport when travelling to the United States;
• Present the US passport when checking in for travel to the United States where required;
• Use the US passport for entry into and departure from the United States; and
• Do not apply for ESTA using a Nigerian or other foreign passport if you are a US citizen.

Dual nationals should also ensure that their US passport remains valid sufficiently beyond their intended travel dates and should allow adequate time for renewal where necessary.

Implications for Dual-National Travellers

The advisory is particularly relevant to Nigerians who have acquired US citizenship but continue to maintain Nigerian citizenship.

Holding two nationalities does not mean that an individual can freely choose which passport to use when entering the country of which they are a citizen. US citizens remain subject to US entry and exit requirements applicable to American nationals.

Attempting to travel under the wrong immigration status could result in boarding difficulties, ESTA complications, or disruption to travel plans.

Key Takeaway

For Nigerians who are also US citizens, the position is straightforward:

A US citizen should travel to and from the United States using a valid US passport, not ESTA obtained through a foreign passport.

Dual citizenship provides the holder with citizenship rights in two countries, but it does not remove the immigration and passport obligations applicable to each nationality.

Nigerian-American dual nationals planning travel to the United States should therefore confirm that their US passport is valid and readily available before finalising their travel arrangements.