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 |
|
|
Belize |
2000-5000 |
|
|
Bolivia |
– |
|
|
Brazil |
5000 |
|
|
Canada |
3200 |
|
|
Chile |
3600-6000 |
|
|
Costa Rica |
1500-3000 |
|
|
Dominica |
– |
|
|
Ecuador |
1500 |
|
|
El Svador |
|
|
|
Fiji |
|
|
|
Grenada |
– |
|
|
Guatemala |
|
|
|
Guyana |
– |
|
|
Honduras |
– |
|
|
Jamaica |
30000-120000 |
|
|
Mexico |
1000 |
|
|
Nicaragua |
– |
|
|
Pakistan |
50-210 |
|
|
Panama |
25000 |
|
|
Paraguay |
– |
|
|
Peru |
1200-3000 |
|
|
St. Kitts & Nevis |
|
|
|
St. Lucia |
|
|
|
St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
|
|
|
Trinidad & Tobago |
– |
|
|
Tuvalu |
|
|
|
Uruguay |
|
|
|
Venezuela |
3500-5000 |
|
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
Click here to watch me chat about this issue
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.