Dual nationality US/UK, wants to return to the US with only a UK passport [duplicate]

Dual nationality US/UK, wants to return to the US with only a UK passport [duplicate] - Crop unrecognizable person demonstrating British passport

My daughter was born in England and came to America 32 years ago. She is an American citizen. Two years ago she moved to the UK with a British passport. She now wants to return to the US but doesn't have a US passport. She has never had a US passport.

As a US citizen, can she return using her British passport only?



Best Answer

There are two conflicting laws

  1. US citizens must use a US passport to enter the US
  2. A US citizen cannot be denied entry

The going legal opinion seems to be that #2 will trump #1, so if your daughter shows up at the border with sufficient proof of citizenship, chances are she will eventually be admitted. See for example https://law.stackexchange.com/questions/16654/can-us-citizens-be-denied-entry-to-the-us

However, getting to the border itself will be difficult. No airline will allow her to board with an expired US passport.

The solution is easy enough: she should get a US passport. If you are in a hurry, do this: https://uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/u-s-passports/emergency-passports/




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Can I leave the UK on one passport and return on another?

There are no real restrictions or definitive rules on which passport you use to book a flight, or any other form of international travel whether via ferry or train. For example, the British passport may allow visa-free entry to more countries than your other passport.

Can dual citizens leave US without U.S. passport?

Most U.S. citizens, 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. Use of the foreign passport does not endanger U.S. citizenship.

Can I come back to the US with a different passport?

The general rule of thumb for dual nationals going to one of their countries is enter and exit on that country's passport. Dual national US citizens must use their US passport when entering and leaving the United States, which after all makes sense: You're an American leaving, or returning to, America.

Do you have to declare dual nationality when renewing British passport?

The United Kingdom allows citizens to have dual citizenship, which means you can be a UK citizen and at the same time a citizen from another country. If you're looking to renew your UK passport, there won't be any problem if you have dual citizenship.



Traveling with two passports - I almost got arrested | Jure Sanguinis Italian Dual Citizenship




More answers regarding dual nationality US/UK, wants to return to the US with only a UK passport [duplicate]

Answer 2

No, it is illegal for US citizens to enter or leave the US on other than a US passport. Leaving and entering the US with a foreign passport

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