U.S. Mission In Nigeria Issues Warning Against Birth Tourism.
The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced a stringent crackdown on visa applicants intending to travel to the U.S. primarily to give birth and secure American citizenship for their children. The warning, issued on 28 July 2025, aims to curb the practice of “birth tourism,” with consular officers now intensifying scrutiny to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration policies.
In a statement shared via its official X handle, @USinNigeria, the U.S. Mission clarified that using a visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the U.S. to obtain citizenship for a child is strictly prohibited. “Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” the statement read, accompanied by hashtags #VisaWiseTravelSmart and #USVisa to raise awareness. The policy reflects heightened efforts to maintain the integrity of the U.S. visa system amid growing concerns over birth tourism.
The practice, which leverages the U.S.’s jus soli policy granting citizenship to those born on its soil, has prompted increased vigilance from U.S. authorities. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja urged applicants to be transparent during visa interviews, warning that misrepresentation of travel intentions could lead to severe consequences, including potential bans from future applications. “Honesty is critical in the visa process,” the embassy stated, advising applicants to consult its official website for updated guidelines.
This development follows recent changes to the U.S. visa reciprocity policy for Nigeria, with most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas now issued as single-entry with a three-month validity period. The U.S. Mission emphasised that these measures align with global security and technical standards to safeguard immigration processes.
The announcement has sparked discussions on social media, with some Nigerians viewing it as a fair move to regulate visa misuse, while others argue it imposes stricter barriers for legitimate travellers. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with users debating the policy’s impact on Nigeria-U.S. relations and its implications for aspiring visitors.
The U.S. Mission reiterated its commitment to fostering people-to-people ties with Nigeria through business, education, and cultural exchanges, while encouraging applicants to adhere to visa terms and ensure authentic travel documents. This policy underscores the U.S. government’s broader efforts to address immigration challenges while maintaining lawful travel pathways.