Travelers with Dual Nationality (2024)

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What is Dual Nationality?

Dual nationalitymeans a person is a national of two countries. They have legal rights and obligations in both countries. A person may hold more than two nationalities, and the same guidance generally applies. Having dual nationality has advantages. These include ease of living abroad and access to government programs. But dual nationals should understand the potential legal issues. These can make life and travel more complex.

How Do You Get Dual Nationality?

  • You may knowingly or unknowingly be a national of another country, even if you have not been issued a passport by that country. Youmaybecome a dual national of the United States and another country by:
  • Being born in the United States, and subject to the laws thereof, to one or two parents holding a nationality other than United States, with your second nationality based on the other country’s nationality law;
  • Being born outside the United States to one or two U.S. citizen parents, with your second nationality based on the foreign country’s laws; or
  • Naturalizing as a U.S. citizen while keeping the nationality of another country.

Requirements for U.S. Citizens HoldingDual Nationality

While the United States allows for dual (or multiple) nationality, there are some requirements that U.S. citizen dual nationals must follow, regardless of whether they hold another nationality:

  • You must enter and leave the United States on your U.S. passport. You are not allowed to enter on your foreign passport, because U.S. law requires all U.S. citizens to enter and depart the U.S. on a valid U.S. passport. U.S. citizens are not eligible for a U.S. visa.
  • If your child is a citizen of the United States, they are not eligible for a U.S. visa. This is true even if you have not taken steps to document them as a U.S. citizen. If you want to enter or depart the United States with your child who is a U.S. citizen, you must obtain a U.S. passport for your child.
  • You may need to file your U.S. tax returns, even if you do not owe any taxes. Your worldwide income is subject to U.S. taxation. You may also need to file a tax return in the State where you were last resident. You may want to consult a tax advisor experienced in dual-national filings.
  • If you have more than $10,000 in overseas bank or brokerage accounts, you may need to fill out the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Account (FBAR).

Potential Challenges to HoldingDual Nationality

Different countries have different laws on dual nationality. Some countries may not permit it. Research the laws on dual nationality in your destination before you travel.The Country Information Pagefor your destination is a helpful resource. You may also check in with the embassy of any country where you have a foreign nationality before you travel. Examples of regulations that may impact dual nationals include:

  • Entry and Exit Requirements:When traveling to a country where you have U.S. and that country’s nationality, you may need to use a passport from that country or show an ID from that country. Some countries impose restrictions on its departing citizens. For example, they may need an exit visa.
  • Exit Bans:Some countries may impose exit bans on dual nationals as an alternative to criminal detention or in civil or familial disputes. Exit bans may also be used coercively on people not facing charges. They can be used to compel an associate or relative under investigation to return from abroad. Those subject to an exit ban may not know how long the restrictions or investigation may continue. Exit bans and lengthy document processing often cause a significant financial burden. This includes unemployment, unexpected living expenses, and fines.
  • Limited U.S. Assistance Abroad:Local authorities may not recognize your U.S. nationality if you are also a national of that country. This is especially true if you did not enter the country using your U.S. passport. Even if dual nationals who are detained ask police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, U.S. consular officials may not be allowed to access them police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • Military Service:Dual nationals may have to do military service in the foreign country where they are a national. This obligation may be imposed immediately upon arrival or when attempting to leave the country.
  • Registration:In some countries, you may be required to register your other nationalities.
  • Prohibition of Dual Nationality:Some countries prohibit dual nationality. You may be forced to give up that country’s nationality if you are also a U.S. national. You could be compelled to do so through a formal act of renunciation. We recommend that you research the dual nationality laws of your countries. This includes countries where you are a dual national, or where you want to naturalize. You can find a list of local attorneys who may be able to assist you on the websites of U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, ortravel.state.gov.

Additional Resources

  • Information on possible loss of U.S. nationality if you seek public office in a foreign country.
  • Information on possible loss of U.S. nationality if you serve in a foreign military.

Last Updated: March 11, 2024

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Travelers with Dual Nationality (2024)

FAQs

How do you describe someone with two nationalities? ›

A dual national is a person who has citizenship in two countries at the same time. One can become a dual citizen by birth or naturalization. Dual citizens share the same rights and obligations of US citizens.

Should I travel with both passports if I am a dual citizen? ›

It's important to note that people who are dual citizens of the U.S. and another country must use a U.S. passport when traveling to and from the United States. 1 This is often the case with many other countries.

What happens if you have dual nationality? ›

Dual nationality (also known as dual citizenship and naturalisation) in the UK means you can be a British Citizen, as well as a citizen in one or more foreign countries. Note that we do not always automatically acquire citizenship in the country in which we are born.

Can an American have 2 nationalities? ›

While the United States allows for dual (or multiple) nationality, there are some requirements that U.S. citizen dual nationals must follow, regardless of whether they hold another nationality: You must enter and leave the United States on your U.S. passport.

How do you say you have two nationalities? ›

Meaning of dual citizenship in English

the state of being a legal citizen (= a member) of two countries at the same time: They are eligible for dual citizenship under the new rules. She holds dual citizenship in Ireland and Australia. He kept his British passport when he moved and now holds dual citizenship.

How do I say I have dual citizenship? ›

Examples of 'dual citizenship' in a sentence
  1. She is understood to hold dual citizenship. ...
  2. Dual citizenship de-legitimises the very concept of national identity. ...
  3. Individuals with visas or green cards or who have dual citizenship would be exempt.

How many passports do you have if you have dual citizenship? ›

So if you're a U.S. citizen who is also a citizen of another country, you can hold two passports at once. In fact, it's possible to hold three or four passports if you're a citizen of multiple countries.

Do dual citizens pay taxes in both countries? ›

All US citizens are required to file a US tax return regardless of where they live. Dual citizens living abroad risk being taxed twice on their income. The IRS has various tax benefits in place to help dual citizens avoid double taxation.

What is the strongest passport in the world? ›

Singapore

What are two disadvantages of dual citizenship? ›

Downsides of multiple citizenships

While dual citizens might reduce taxes, they also face double taxation on foreign income or property, depending on national laws. Career restrictions. Some nations prevent dual citizens from government roles or positions like judges, ministers, or deputies. Military service.

Can you exit a country on one passport and enter on another? ›

Is it possible to leave a country on one passport and present a different passport at the destination country? Absolutely and for dual (multi) nationals generally required! Most countries require their citizens enter and exit using their passport from that country.

What countries don't allow dual citizenship with US? ›

The countries that don't allow dual citizenship for adults as of this writing include:
  • Bahamas.
  • China.
  • Haiti.
  • Indonesia (except in certain circ*mstances)
  • Japan.
  • Kuwait.
  • Laos.
  • Malawi.

Will I lose my U.S. citizenship if I apply for dual citizenship? ›

Owe allegiance to both the U.S. and a foreign country. Must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the U.S. Do not have to choose one nationality over the other. As a U.S. citizen, you may naturalize in another country without risking your U.S. citizenship.

How to travel with two passports? ›

If you are a U.S. citizen with more than one passport, you must use your U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States—however, if you're traveling to another country, you may use whichever passport you prefer.

What do you call someone with two nationalities? ›

Dual citizenship —or dual nationality— is when you are a citizen of two different countries at the same time.

What is another word for dual nationality? ›

Also called du·al na·tion·al·i·ty [doo-uhl nash-uh-nal-i-tee, dyoo-] /ˈdu əl ˌnæʃ əˈnæl ɪ ti, ˈdyu-/ . the status of a person who is a legal citizen of two or more countries.

What is the term for multiple nationalities? ›

Dual citizenship, or multiple citizenship, is when a single person is legally recognized as a citizen of two or more countries at the same time. Not all countries allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship.

What do you call someone with dual citizenship? ›

Dual citizenship —or dual nationality— is when you are a citizen of two different countries at the same time. In the context of the U.S., it means you're both a U.S. citizen and a citizen of another country.

Can someone be multiple nationalities? ›

Having dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, means being a citizen of the United States and another country at the same time.

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