Dual US/UK citizen. Will this show when my UK passport is scanned in America?

Dual US/UK citizen. Will this show when my UK passport is scanned in America? - Crop unrecognizable person demonstrating British passport

I have dual US and UK citizenship, but the US citizenship has only just been realized (wasn't aware I had claim to US citizenship earlier).

Unfortunately I haven't received my US passport yet. Can I still travel to the US only using my UK passport?

I understand that the US does require citizens to travel on a US passport, but would they even know that I am a dual citizen if I've only ever traveled on my UK passport? (Especially considering that my US passport has never been used before in any form - as I haven't received it).

If I was only entering the US for a small trip, would it show on the screen that I also have US citizenship when they scan my UK passport?



Best Answer

It would be illegal for you to enter the US on a non-US passport. US Embassy in Sweden:

According to Section 215 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1185), it is illegal for a U.S. citizen to enter or leave the U.S. on anything other than an U.S. passport. This applies to dual citizens as well, meaning that persons holding e.g. both Swedish and American citizenships and passports must enter and leave the U.S. on a U.S. passport. They may NOT enter/leave the U.S. on a Swedish passport. This applies to children as well as adults. There is no guarantee of entry to the United States without a valid U.S. passport.

Now, can you get away with it in practice? Possibly, only CBP knows what will "show on the screen" and they're not telling. But since they clearly already know your UK passport number and that you've applied for citizenship, it's a pretty big risk. You will also have to apply for an ESTA for your UK passport, which gives them another chance to catch you. All in all, I wouldn't risk it.




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Which passport do you show if you have dual citizenship?

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.

Do UK passports show dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) is allowed in the UK. This means you can be a British citizen and also a citizen of other countries. You do not need to apply for dual citizenship. You can apply for foreign citizenship and keep your British citizenship.

Are dual passports connected?

While you have to register a passport with the airline, all the airline is concerned with is that you have a right to enter the country you are flying to - otherwise, they will be stuck with the cost of flying you back. There is no connection between what you tell the airline and what passport you use for immigration.

Does America acknowledge dual citizenship?

Yes, the United States allows dual citizenship. If you are a naturalized citizen, you don't have to give up citizenship from your country of origin. U.S. immigration law does not prohibit dual nationality. The U.S. Supreme Court also ruled that people can \u201chave and exercise rights of nationality in two countries.\u201d



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




More answers regarding dual US/UK citizen. Will this show when my UK passport is scanned in America?

Answer 2

To add to jpatokal's answer, the best thing you can do is contact a UK embassy or consulate, explain your situation, and ask for your options.
Maybe it's possible to get a temporary waiver added to your UK passport, or get an expedited or temporary US passport issued by them for the duration of the trip.

Check your options, I'm sure it's hardly the first time the people at the embassies and consulates have had to deal with situations like yours and they're bound to have procedures for it.

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