How to enter the US if I am a dual Syrian/Dutch citizen?
It always has been my dream to visit the U.S. and now that I have the money and time for it, I want to go in the Christmas holiday. I am dual Syrian/Dutch citizen, and because of my Syrian nationality I am not eligible for ESTA and the normal visa process takes so long. The consulate in Amsterdam doesn’t even issue a visa unless it’s a life and death matter. What should I do? I really would like to spend the Christmas in New york. ☹️
Best Answer
In general, as someone with dual citizenship you would be eligible to use the Visa Waiver Program (ie, ESTA) under either of your citizenships - it wouldn't matter if one of them isn't eligible for ESTA/VWP, as long as the one you apply for is.
However as you're likely aware, there are a few exceptions to this rule, and the following are not eligible to use the VWP program, even if they hold a citizen citizenship that would make them eligible :
- Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria
- Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia and Yemen on or after March 1, 2011
Thus you are not eligible to use the Visa Waiver Program. If you attempt to apply for an ESTA to use this program, one of the question you will be asked is any other citizenships you hold, and your application will be automatically rejected due to your Syrian citizenship.
The only option is to apply for a US visa - most likely a B2 ("tourist") visa. Applying for a US visa involves paying a fee, making an appointment for and attending an interview at a US Consulate, and filling in a DS-160 form. Normally this is not an overly difficult process, however at the moment many US consulates are only providing limited services due to COVID-19.
The website for the US Consulate in Amsterdam states that they are currently providing "very limited non-immigrant visa services for students and certain petition-based workers who qualify for an exception to current travel restrictions.", however as the travel restrictions this refers to are due to be relaxed in November 2021 it's very likely that their rules will change in the near future - it may even be worth attempting to email them and ask if/when they expect this to occur.
If you are unable to obtain an appointment in Amsterdam you MAY be able to apply at the US Consulate in another country, but check the rules carefully as many are not accepting bookings from non-residents of the country they are in.
Unfortunately other than obtaining a visa you have no other options to travel to the US. The only legal way to bypass the Syrian exclusion from the VWP is to obtain a visa. Attempting to bypass it in other way (eg, not disclosing your Syrian citizenship) have to potential of ending very badly, up to and including you being banned from the US for life!
Pictures about "How to enter the US if I am a dual Syrian/Dutch citizen?"
Can dual citizens enter the US?
Does the United States allow dual citizenship? Yes, practically speaking. The U.S. government does not require naturalized U.S. citizens to relinquish citizenship in their country of origin.Can you enter the US with a Dutch passport?
These citizens can use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). A program managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security. As the Netherlands participates in the VWP, most Dutch citizens do not need a visa to travel to the U.S.Can a Syrian get a tourist visa to USA?
Syrian applicants may apply for non-immigrant visas at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and the same standards under U.S. law and policy apply at each U.S. Embassy and Consulate where one applies for a visa.Can you be a dual US Dutch citizen?
Dual citizenshipthose who acquire another citizenship at the time of birth (for example, a child born to Dutch parents in the United States would hold both US and Dutch citizenship). persons who acquire Dutch citizenship through the option procedure (including former Dutch citizens resuming citizenship)How to become a Dutch Citizen | Dual Citizenship requirements in The Netherlands | Kenyan and Dutch
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