Dual citizenship - can have visa in one passport and use APM (automatic passport machines) with the other
I have Brazilian and Italian citizenship and passports. Renewing the Brazilian passport I plan to apply for a USA visa on it.
Is it true that from that moment on I MUST enter the USA using exclusively the Brazilian passport? I mean: no longer benefiting from the visa waiver program (VWP) until the visa is expired?
The reason for my question is quite simple: While I don't need to use the VWP, if I have a valid visa I would like to keep using the automated passport machines available in the airport I normally use when go to the States. Those machines are for US citizens/residents and ESTA (VWP) users.
The question may sound odd, but I was told that IF you have a valid visa you SHOULD use that passport to enter the US. (therefore entering the regular immigration line). Of course when I travel I have both passports with me.
Best Answer
From personal experience (although not with the US), I had a current Schengen visa in one of my passports when I got my US citizenship. On my next trip to Europe I used my US passport, despite having another passport with a still valid visa which was valid for the purpose of the visit. Nobody asked any questions.
Now regarding the USA, I have found no specific information about it in FAMs or on DoS website about that. Thus my answer would be more of a speculation conclusion, and it would be "no, you would not be required to use a specific passport to enter the USA" simply because you have a visa in that passport. Consider the typical case where the passport with the visa is no longer in your possession because it has been replaced/lost/damaged.
Interestingly enough, the US visa application form doesn't even ask about all your nationalities.
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Can dual citizens use both passports?
As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of New Zealand, you can travel more easily between these two countries.When you are a dual citizen which passport do you use?
U.S. nationals, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country.Do dual nationals need visa?
As a dual passport holder can use the passport which is most beneficial for your needs \u2013 e.g. requires no visa or allows you to stay for longer. The ability to travel between both countries without restriction.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.Traveling with two passports - I almost got arrested | Jure Sanguinis Italian Dual Citizenship
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Answer 2
If you have two nationalities, you may enter the US using either one you wish.
If you enter using a VWP-eligible nationality, you must have an ESTA, and if you enter using a nationality that requires a visa, you must have a visa.
I have dual citizenship from both a VWP country and a non-VWP country?
If you are flying under the terms of the VWP, with your VWP passport, you must apply for ESTA. If you are using your non-VWP country's passport, you will require a visa and therefore ESTA does not apply to you.
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