U.S. Issues Fresh Warning: No Visas for “Birth Tourism”

If you are pregnant in Antigua and Barbuda and planning to travel to the United States to give birth, think again.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of State issued a fresh warning making it clear that “birth tourism” — using a visa primarily to have a child in the U.S. so that the child automatically receives American citizenship — is strictly prohibited.

The State Department said consular officers have been instructed to deny visas if they believe this is the applicant’s intent. “If we determine that your primary reason for travel is to give birth in the United States, your visa will be refused,” the advisory stated.

While the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship to children born on American soil, Washington has long viewed birth tourism as an abuse of the system. Officials warned that anyone caught misrepresenting their purpose of travel could face long-term consequences, including denial at the border or even permanent visa ineligibility.

The warning carries weight for Antiguans and Barbudans, many of whom apply for U.S. visitor visas each year. Embassy officials urged applicants to be fully transparent about their travel plans, stressing that honesty is critical during the application process.