The United States government has reiterated that it will refuse visa applications from foreign nationals whose primary intent for traveling is to give birth on American soil in order to obtain citizenship for their child—commonly known as “birth tourism.”
In a statement released Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria emphasized that consular officers are instructed to reject visa requests if there is reason to believe the applicant’s main goal is to deliver a baby in the US for the purpose of acquiring citizenship.
“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 statement reads. “Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.”
A message on an image posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the US Mission further stressed, “we will deny your visa if we believe your primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to get U.S. citizenship for your child. This is not accepted.”
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
The United States automatically grants citizenship to any child born on its soil, as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the Constitution—a policy that has attracted global attention and, in some cases, misuse.
The practice of birth tourism has sparked controversy, prompting authorities to intensify efforts against individuals and agencies that organize such trips, often charging substantial fees.