Showing passport *card* at USA air passport control

Showing passport *card* at USA air passport control - Crop unrecognizable person demonstrating British passport

The USA famously has both passport books and passport cards. The cards are only supposed to be used at ground and sea entry points. This is because the (from the link above), the "passport book is the only document approved for international air travel."

But some people have multiple passports that can be used internationally. What would happen if a traveler boarded a flight using their 'other' passport (with an ESTA) and when they arrived in the USA, they showed their USA passport card?

Theoretically, they can't be denied entry because it is proof of American citizenship, right? Is this one of those - take you into a back room and whip you with a wet noodle until you agree it's a bad idea, and then let you in? Or is this actually permissible?






Pictures about "Showing passport *card* at USA air passport control"

Showing passport *card* at USA air passport control - Smiling woman showing passport in modern corridor
Showing passport *card* at USA air passport control - Photograph of a Leather Wallet with Dollar Bills Beside a Passport
Showing passport *card* at USA air passport control - Documents Use for Travel



What do US immigration officers see on their screen?

The officer at primary inspection will verify your identity and check your name against various computer databases. The officers are on the lookout for people who might be a security risk or who are using a tourist or other nonimmigrant visa to gain entry to the United States for illegal purposes or a permanent stay.

What does US Customs see when they scan my passport?

The officer sees results from the first two scans\u2014radiation and license plate\u2014and follows up with the traveler's documents and questions about what they are bringing across the border. Currently, the officer compares the documents with records in CBP's database\u2014just as it's done in the pedestrian lanes.

How do I scan my passport at the airport kiosk?

Automated Passport Control (APC) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that streamlines the entry process for U.S. citizens, U.S. legal permanent residents, Canadian citizens, eligible Visa Waiver Program participants, and specific U.S. visa holder travelers, by providing an automated process through ...



How forged passports are caught in UAE




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Ethan Wilkinson, Gustavo Fring, Natasha Chebanoo, Markus Winkler