U.S. To Deny Nigerians Birth Tourism Visas

The United States Mission in Nigeria said Nigerians intending to travel to the U.S. with the primary aim of giving birth for citizenship would be denied visas.

In a statement shared on its official X handle on Monday, the U.S. Mission said travelling on a visa for the purpose of securing American citizenship for a child through birth is not allowed.

“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,” the message read.

“Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” they added.

The caution comes amid increased scrutiny of visa applicants and tougher enforcement measures against what is widely referred to as “birth tourism” which is the practice of traveling to the U.S. solely to give birth so the child gains automatic citizenship.

It also follows recent visa policy changes by the U.S. Department of State, which now limits most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry and three-month validity.

The U.S. government reaffirmed that the measures are meant to protect the integrity of its immigration system, adding that visa policies are guided by global standards.