07/20/2026
There is a lot of misinformation circulating about traveling to the United States while pregnant. Here’s what U.S. immigration authorities actually say.
Traveling to the U.S. while pregnant is not prohibited. However, the purpose of your trip matters.
Under current U.S. Department of State regulations, a consular officer may deny a B-1/B-2 visitor visa if they determine that the primary purpose of the trip is to give birth in the United States so that the child will automatically acquire U.S. citizenship. This practice is commonly referred to as “”birth tourism.””
The key issue is intent. If the main reason for applying for a tourist visa is to travel to the U.S. to give birth and obtain citizenship for the child, the visa application may be denied.
Additionally, when arriving at a U.S. port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the authority to inspect every traveler and determine whether they are admissible to the United States. During that inspection, officers may consider factors such as:
• The purpose of your visit.
• The length of your intended stay.
• Your ability to pay for any anticipated medical expenses.
• Whether you have strong ties to your home country and intend to return after your visit.
• Whether your statements and supporting documents are consistent with your travel plans.
It is important to understand that being pregnant alone is not a reason to be denied a visa or refused entry into the United States. Many pregnant travelers enter the U.S. every year for legitimate reasons, including tourism, visiting family, business, or receiving medical treatment.
However, applicants and travelers must always be truthful during the visa application process and at the port of entry.
Every immigration case is unique, and the facts of each situation matter.
If you are pregnat and planning to travel to the United States, or if you have questions about how U.S immigration laws may apply to your specific circumstances, seeking legal guidence before making travel arrangements can help you avoid unnecessary complications