When in doubt, can't you just show two passports? [closed]

I see on this site tons of questions about "I have a dual citizenship, which passport do I show in this case?" and I don't get a simple thing… can't you just show both, and let them pick which one they prefer?

Sure, there is some complex case, such as IIRC China, which forbids you from gaining a second citizenship, but for all the OTHER cases… why don't they just show both?

Best Answer

The countries that do not allow dual citizenship are very many more than just China and showing passports indicating two nationalities to an official of one of these may get the holder into trouble. Even where dual citizenship is not an issue, an entry stamp in one passport and an exit one in another may be inconvenient.

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Do dual citizens have to show both passports?

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.

Can I enter UK with one passport and exit with another?

Border control at departureThe UK will not require you to get a stamp in your passport at the border when you depart. The USA also does not require a passport stamp. In many other countries, you will be required to show your passport again and have some form of interaction with border security before you depart.

Can I enter with one passport and exit with another?

Can you enter a country on one passport and exit on another? No. The way that countries track whether or not you have overstayed your visa or the amount of days you're allowed to stay there is based on what passport you used.

What if I have two passports?

A person with dual citizenship is a citizen of two countries at the same time, which has both advantages and disadvantages because it is a complex legal status. One benefit of dual citizenship that is often cited is the ability of an individual to possess two passports.

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