BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS — The United States Embassy for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean issued a reminder to all dual nationals that U.S. law strictly requires American citizens to enter and depart the United States using a valid U.S. passport.
This statutory requirement applies to all U.S. citizens, including minor children, regardless of secondary nationality. The Embassy noted that dual citizens are legally prohibited from using a foreign passport to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
Notice was further given that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTA approvals issued to dual national U.S. citizens upon identifying their citizenship status.
U.S. citizens residing abroad who plan to travel to the United States are advised to check their passport expiration dates well in advance of departure. If a U.S. passport is expired or near expiration, citizens should submit a renewal application immediately. While entering the U.S. requires a valid U.S. passport, travellers should also note that many foreign countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond their planned entry date.
