U.S. Warns Nigerians Against Traveling to Give Birth for Citizenship.
U.S. Warns Nigerians Against Traveling to Give Birth for Citizenship, as birth tourism may lead to visa denial under new immigration guidelines.
The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a clear warning to Nigerian nationals considering travel to the U.S. with the sole intention of giving birth to secure American citizenship for their children.
In a recent announcement posted on its official X account (formerly known as Twitter), the Mission emphasized that entering the U.S. primarily for childbirth violates immigration regulations. The statement read: “Traveling on a visa with the main goal of having a child in the U.S. so they can obtain American citizenship is not allowed.”
The Embassy further noted that consular officers are authorized to deny visa applications if they suspect applicants intend to engage in what is commonly referred to as birth tourism. In this practice, foreign nationals travel to the U.S. specifically to deliver their babies on American soil.
This advisory follows an increase in scrutiny of visa applications and stricter enforcement efforts aimed at protecting the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of State had earlier revised its visa reciprocity policy for Nigeria. Under the new guidelines, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians are now single-entry and valid for only three months.
The U.S. reiterated that its visa regulations are driven by global standards and security measures designed to uphold the legitimacy and security of its immigration procedures.
Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted. Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent. #VisaWiseTravelSmart… pic.twitter.com/9qaPSmpJLL
— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) July 28, 2025
