Can you keep your Papua New Guinea citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Papua New Guinean citizens who become U.S. citizens may keep their Papua New Guinean citizenship only because the United States is one of the specific countries for which dual nationality is permitted.
What the law says
- Since 2014, Papua New Guinea allows multiple nationality only if the secondary nationality is from a specific nation, including the United States.
- Applicants for regular naturalization must renounce other nationality unless they are applying for dual nationality and take a Loyalty Oath.
- Denaturalisation may occur if a person has obtained multiple nationalities without having registered for dual nationality.
- Papua New Guinean nationals may renounce their nationality provided they have legal majority and capacity and have obtained other nationality.
“Papua New Guinea has allowed multiple nationality only if the secondary nationality is from a specific nation, such as ... the United States”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether Papua New Guinea lets you keep yours.
Source: Papua New Guinean nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Papua New Guinea embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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