The United States confirms it will deny tourist visas in these cases: Goodbye to “birth tourism”
If the U.S. government believes that the purpose of traveling to the country is to give birth, it will deny the tourist visa application.
The United States Department of State may deny different types of visas for a range of reasons, including “birth tourism”, the practice of travelling to another country in the later stages of pregnancy so that a child can acquire citizenship by birth.
Recently, the Trump administration clarified that it will deny all tourist visa applications if it believes the primary purpose of the trip is to give birth in the United States in order for the newborn to obtain US citizenship. The policy was confirmed in a post on X by the US Embassy in India, which stated bluntly: “This is not allowed.”
US consular officials abroad may refuse a tourist visa if they have reason to believe an applicant intends to travel mainly to give birth in the United States to secure citizenship for her child. However, according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), there are no specific regulations that explicitly prohibit pregnant foreign nationals from entering the country.
“Entry is permitted or denied at the discretion of the Customs and Border Protection officer admitting you,” CBP explains. “If the officer determines that you are likely to become a dependent of the government, meaning the government would have to provide you with medical care because you do not have health insurance, you may be denied entry.”
When assessing whether a pregnant woman may enter the United States, a CBP officer will consider factors such as the expected delivery date and the length of the intended stay. Officials may also ask for proof of adequate medical insurance to cover any healthcare needs while in the country, as well as evidence that the traveller intends to return to her home country.
U.S. consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child. This is not permitted. pic.twitter.com/Xyq4lkK6V8
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 11, 2025
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CBP further notes: “If it is determined that you do not have sufficient health insurance to cover any expected or unexpected medical care during your stay in the United States, you may be denied entry. In addition, if you are pregnant and entering the United States through a land border port of entry in a vehicle, please be aware that the radiation detection portals installed at ports of entry do not emit radiation and do not pose a risk to you or your unborn baby.”
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