US Lists 1 Country Whose Citizens are Not Eligible for American Visa
- Authorities clarified on an official government travel page that a certain group of citizens, including those with dual nationality, are not eligible to apply for US visa
- The regulation extends to minors in the affected category, even if formal proof of their nationality has not yet been obtained by their parents
- Individuals with dual nationality in the group are also prohibited from using another passport to seek authorization
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The United States Department of State has confirmed that the one country whose citizens cannot apply for an American visa is the United States itself.
The department officially clarified on its Travel.State.Gov portal that US citizens are ineligible for a US visa regardless of any other nationality they may hold.
Source: UGC
The guidance is directed at Americans living abroad, particularly dual nationals, many of whom may be unaware that holding a foreign passport does not allow them to enter the US through a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation.
What the US State Department's Rule Means
Under US law, any person who holds American citizenship must enter and exit the United States using a valid US passport.
The rule applies universally, covering naturalised citizens, those born on American soil, and those born abroad to US citizen parents.
The State Department was equally clear about children. Even if a parent has not yet taken steps to formally document a child's US citizenship, the child is still considered a US citizen and therefore ineligible for a US visa.
Parents wishing to travel to the United States with such a child are required to first obtain a US passport for them.
The policy also covers the Electronic Travel Authorisation system. Dual nationals who attempt to use a foreign passport to apply for an ESTA will find their application routinely denied or cancelled by the Department of Homeland Security.
Other Challenges Dual Nationals Should Know
Beyond the visa rule, the State Department's guidance outlines a range of complications that dual nationals may encounter when travelling internationally.
Some countries impose mandatory military service on their nationals, which may apply to a dual national the moment they arrive or when they attempt to depart.
Exit bans are another risk, as certain governments may restrict a dual national from leaving the country due to civil disputes, family matters, or ongoing investigations, even when no criminal charges have been filed.
US consular assistance may also be limited in such situations. Local authorities in a country where a person holds citizenship are not obligated to recognise their American nationality, and may refuse to notify the US embassy or allow consular access.
The State Department advised all dual nationals to research the specific laws of every country in which they hold citizenship before travelling, and to consult local attorneys where necessary.
US announces 1 green card route
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that US government's EB-1 visa category covers three types of applicants, but only one allows individuals to file their own petition without employer involvement.
Applicants under the Extraordinary Ability category must satisfy at least 3 of 10 set criteria, or present evidence of a major internationally recognised achievement.
Source: Legit.ng
