US Issues Fresh Passport Warning to Citizens, Dual Nationals

• The United States has reminded all its citizens, including dual nationals and children, that they must use a valid U.S. passport when entering or leaving the country.

• The U.S. Mission also warned that dual-national Americans cannot use foreign passports to apply for ESTA, urging travelers to renew passports before they expire.

The United States government has reminded all American citizens, including dual nationals and children, that they must use a valid U.S. passport when traveling to and from the United States.

The reminder was issued on Sunday by the United States Mission in Nigeria in a post on X, emphasizing that the requirement applies to every U.S. citizen regardless of whether they also hold citizenship in another country.

According to the mission, “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 mission further warned that dual-national U.S. citizens are not permitted to use a foreign passport to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

“Dual national U.S. citizens may not use their foreign passport to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization,” it stated.

It explained that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTA applications submitted by dual-national U.S. citizens using foreign passports.

The U.S. Mission also advised American citizens residing outside the United States to ensure their travel documents remain valid before making travel plans.

“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.

In addition, travelers were urged to renew passports that have expired or are close to expiration, noting that many countries require passports to have at least six months of remaining validity before allowing entry.

The advisory serves as a reminder for U.S. citizens overseas to check the validity of their passports well ahead of international travel to avoid disruptions or denied boarding.