How to travel in and out of US as a dual citizenship
The U.S. has released new travel guidelines for dual citizens entering and leaving the country. These regulations are designed to clarify the necessary procedures and ensure compliance with U.S. laws.
- The US government requires all dual national citizens, including children, to enter and exit the country using a valid US passport
- Dual nationals who apply for an ESTA using a foreign passport risk having the authorisation denied or cancelled by the Department of Homeland Security
- US citizens living abroad are urged to check their passport expiry dates before travelling, as passports must generally be valid for at least six months
The United States government has reminded dual national citizens that they are legally required to use a valid American passport when entering or departing the country, regardless of any other nationality they hold.
The directive applies to all US citizens and nationals, including children, who carry passports from two or more countries. The rule makes no exceptions based on age or country of residence.
One of the most critical points in the advisory concerns the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), a pre-travel clearance used by nationals of visa-waiver countries to enter the United States. Dual nationals who hold US citizenship are barred from using a foreign passport to apply for ESTA. The Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTA applications submitted by individuals who are identified as US citizens or nationals.
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Attempting to enter the US on a foreign travel document, even from a country that participates in the visa waiver programme, puts dual nationals at risk of being turned away at the border or having their travel authorisation revoked before departure.
Renew before you travel: US to citizens
The advisory places particular emphasis on US citizens who are based abroad. Those planning a trip back to the United States are strongly advised to confirm that their American passport is current before booking travel. An expired passport is not acceptable for entry, and officials warn that renewing at the last minute could delay or disrupt travel plans.
As a general rule, passports should carry at least six months of validity beyond the intended date of entry into any foreign destination. This standard, widely observed by immigration authorities around the world, also applies in reverse when US citizens travel internationally.
The guidance is especially relevant to the large number of Nigerians and other African nationals who hold dual US citizenship and may be more accustomed to travelling on their home-country passport for regional trips. When the destination is the United States, however, the American passport is the only document permitted for entry and exit.
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