As a dual citizen (both VWP countries), does switching passports affect my eligibility for US VWP/ESTA?
I have double citizenship, Italian + UK. I've applied for US ESTA with my Italian passport as primary and added my UK passport as 2nd citizenship. They are both valid and not expired. My request has been denied and I don't understand why. In theory there should be no problem but I can't find why it was rejected. In the past I've used a DS156 visa as a student and it has been issued without problems. Any idea if there are problems for my situation that I can't see?
EDIT: I've been at the consulate and it turns out that there was a note on my profile about the fact that I used two different passports in the past. The lady I talked to edited my file and I got the tourist visa without problems. This is the reason the ESTA was rejected.
I went to the States 2 weeks ago without any problem at the customs check.
Best Answer
The OP updated the information in the question. There was a note on the file because they were using two different passports and that was the reason the ESTA was rejected.
They got a visa without problems, as traveling with two different passports is allowed.
What we can learn from this is that if you have two different nationalities and so far only used one to travel to the USA, it might be best to stick to using that nationality so you avoid the note and possibly future problems.
On the other hand, if you get a new nationality which can get you an ESTA or a visa with easier, it might be worth it to use that passport. You can clear up the confusion by contacting the consulate and applying for a tourist visa, or maybe even already get the note on your file taken off by just explaining and asking for it.
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Do I need an ESTA if I have dual citizenship?
To summarize, if you hold a passport from at least one visa waiver country, and a non-visa waiver country, you will be eligible to apply for ESTA. If you are a U.S. citizen and hold a passport from a visa waiver country, you do not need an ESTA and should travel to the United States using your U.S. passport.Can I have an ESTA on 2 passports?
No. Each Visa Waiver Program traveler must have an approved travel authorization for the passport they plan to use before they travel to the United States. If a traveler obtains a new passport, they must submit a new travel authorization application in ESTA using the new passport.Can dual nationals get ESTA?
If you have dual citizenship and have registered with ESTA, you should use your VWP-eligible passport to board the plane when you leave your country of departure and when you arrive in the U.S. If both your countries of citizenship are VWP-eligible, then we strongly recommend you choose which one you want to claim for ...What happens to my ESTA when I get a new passport?
What happens if my passport details have changed or if it expires? You must submit a new ESTA application and wait for the visa to be approved if you receive a new passport or if any information in your passport has changed. Otherwise your application will be rejected or you will be denied entry to the United States.Traveling with two passports - I almost got arrested | Jure Sanguinis Italian Dual Citizenship
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