According to Wikipedia, Birth tourism is the practice of traveling to another country for the purpose of giving birth in that country. The main reason Nigerians seek birth tourism is to obtain citizenship for the child in a country with birthright citizenship (jus soli) which means Birthright by the soil
The countries and costs will be updated as new information gets rolled out. Please note that USA is not included because of President Trump’s current restriction on birth tourism.
To Access Birthright Citizenship via Birth Tourism for Nigerians, To Do List
- Maintain proper documents required to obtain a VISA
- Sort out your insurance for duration in the country; medical, travel etc
- Do your research on what hospitals/clinics you can deliver at & birth practices offered there
- Accommodation and logistics
- Plan for the baby’s paperwork; this should happen once you decide what country you want to give birth at and what citizenship the child will hold
- Prepare for for cost and travel documents needed for newborn to travel back home safely
- Ability to afford the cost estimates, billing and clearing bills before you leave, if not, the child will inherit the bill
- Vaccinations for the newborn – Immunization before leaving the country
- Access to local assistance for emergencies
- Planning for travel extension of stay incase of medical issues
Countries That Allow Birth Tourism for Nigerians- Points To Consider When Seeking Birthright Citizenship, Costs, Pros/Cons
No | Country | Average Costs ($) | Pros |
| Argentina | 3000-4000 | - Quality medical care
- World-class facilities
- Relatively affordable
- Visa free travel across central & south America
|
| Belize | 2000-5000 | - It is a commonwealth passport & so commonwealth benefits apply
- Visa free travel to central & south America
|
| Bolivia | – | - The rights & benefits of being a citizen of Bolivia apply
|
| Brazil | 5000 | - Quality medical care
- World-class facilities
- Relatively affordable
- The rights & benefits of being a citizen of Brazil apply
- Parents also get permanent residency
|
| Canada | 3200 | - Visa free travel to America
- The child becomes Eligible for More Jobs.
- The child can vote and run for political office
- You never have to worry about losing status
- You don’t need to renew their immigration documentation
|
| Chile | 3600-6000 | - Visa free travel to America
- The child becomes eligible for jobs with easy access
- You also get residence permits for Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay and other South American countries
- You don’t have to pay reciprocity fees when traveling around South America
|
| Costa Rica | 1500-3000 | - Visa free travel across central & south America
|
| Dominica | – | - No wealth taxes, gift taxes, inheritance taxes, foreign income taxes or capital gains taxes. – You are only required to pay personal income tax if you choose to reside in the country.
- Visa free travel to 100 countries including UK & Schengen countries
|
| Ecuador | 1500 | - Visa free travel throughout South America
- Possible tax advantages
- Save money on visa fees to other countries
|
| El Svador | | - Visa free travel to about 76 countries
|
| Fiji | | - Enjoy the rights of a Fijian citizen
|
| Grenada | – | - Visa free travel/ Visa on arrival to about 120 countries
- It offers a permanent lifetime citizenship
- It is a commonwealth passport & so commonwealth benefits apply
- Tax advantages
|
| Guatemala | | - Visa free travel to Mexico
- Residency in European Union countries.
- Schengen And UK Access.
- Visa-Free Travel to more than 110 Countries.
- Easy Employment In Many Countries.
|
| Guyana | – | - Visa free travel to 81 countries
|
| Honduras | – | - Visa free travel/on arrival to about 137 countries
|
| Jamaica | 30000-120000 | - You can work without a work
- You can vote in General and Local Government Elections.
- You get to receive social benefits and get access to government programmes.
- There is exemption from international Fees at Jamaica’s premier universities as a form of educational cost relief
- Duty free allowance from customs and at the airport
|
| Mexico | 1000 | - Visa free travel across central & south America
|
| Nicaragua | – |
- Low cost of living and low real estate prices.
- No travel restrictions in 112 countries.
- Easy access to the European Schengen zone.
- Pension and medical programs.
- 5-year renewable passport with a driver’s license and a NIC
|
| Pakistan | 50-210 | - Visa free travel/visa on arrival to 33 countries
|
| Panama | 25000 | - Quality medical care
- World-class facilities
- Relatively cheap
- Visa free travel across central & south america
|
| Paraguay | – | - Visa-free travel to more than 132 countries including the Schengen area, UK and Japan
|
| Peru | 1200-3000 | - Visa free travel to south-east Asia & south America
|
| St. Kitts & Nevis | | - Visa free travel across central & south America
- No personal income tax.
- Visa-free travel to about 170 countries worldwide, including the UK and European Union.
|
| St. Lucia | | - Visa free travel to 120 countries
- Tax advantages
- Educational advantages
- Passport is valid for a lifetime
|
| St. Vincent & the Grenadines | | - Visa free/on arrival travel to 127 countries
|
| Trinidad & Tobago | – | - Visa free access to Schengen area
- Visa free travel to about 150 countries
|
| Tuvalu | | - Lesser delays at airports.
- Access to any Schengen country for up to 90 days or 6 months every year in the United Kingdom even without a visa.
|
| Uruguay | | - Visa free travel across central & south America & European-Schengen areas
|
| Venezuela | 3500-5000 | - Visa free travel across central & south America
|
Birth tourism for Nigerians has always been a bit of touchy subject for some due to expenses and access very few have, but for those that are ready to go on this path, please note the pros and cons below.
General Pros for Achieving Birthright Citizenship
- Educational costs are reduced for citizens
- You enjoy equal rights and benefits as with other citizens of the country
- Freedom of passport and travel; most countries’ passports have better access to visa free travels than the Nigerian passport
- Dual citizens enjoy certain benefits, such as the ability to live and work freely in two countries, own property in both, and travel between the countries with relative ease.
Cons to Consider for Achieving Birthright Citizenship
- Birth tourism for Nigerians is an extremely expensive endeavor but are the benefits worth it? (that’s for you to answer)
- It’s not a last minute decision to take, it may require some saving up, reservations etc. so you should not be spontaneous about this decision
- Double taxation: you may have to pay taxes to both countries of citizenship
- You become bound by the laws of two nations.
- Applying for dual citizenship is a complicated process which means it’s crucial to seek the expertise of qualified experts
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2 Comments
hi ma’am
Many thanks for the detailed information on the subject matter. I’d like to ask for your recommendation: among all the countries listed apart from US & Canada. Considering all factors apart from cost (e.g. ease of obtaining Visa, immediate citizenship, favorable tax policies, favorable climate conditions and other benefits derivable from being a citizen) which would you recommend to a Nigerian considering birth tourism and is quite unsure of which country to go to. and why.
Honestly, I can’t give a personal recommendation because it’s not a subject I’ve ever considered for myself personally. I simply presented as much information as I’ve been able to gather in order for others like you to make a more informed decision.