How to travel with two passports
Traveling with two passports when you have citizenship of multiple countries can be a minefield. When preparing to travel, whether for business or pleasure, it’s important for you to know how to navigate immigration control and international airports.
Our blog post aims to guide you through the process. For OISC-regulated professional immigration advice, contact our team on 0333 305 9375.
Travelling on two passports
Becoming a person with dual citizenship can happen in multiple ways – by birth, marriage, descent or by naturalisation, if you live in a new country for long enough.
Once you have attained British citizenship, you will be able to apply for a British passport. This will be your identity and travel document, and also enable you to prove your right to live, work and claim state support in the UK.
So once you have your two passports, how do you navigate travelling? Generally, it is an easy process but there are some important things along the way to be aware of.
Booking your flight
Airlines are cautious about ensuring you have a right to enter your destination before boarding.
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. However, some countries by law require their passport holding citizens to identify themselves at that border with that passport, even if both passports you hold would give you visa-free entry.
When you check-in
People that work on check-in desks are not part of immigration enforcement. They only work for private airline, ferry ports or train stations. Their main concerns are ensuring:
- All your personal information matches
- You have the correct tickets and they are in your name
- You have valid passport which means you won’t get turned away on arrival
They probably will not ask to see any other passports you hold, but it is always advisable to have both with you so you can show it if asked and answer any further questions. You must have the passport you booked your travel with on hand to show at the check-in desk.
Border control at departure
The 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.
Border control on arrival
If you are arriving in a country where you do not hold any citizenship, you are free once again to chose whichever passport gives you the easiest access.
However as mentioned before, certain countries such as the United States require it’s citizens that hold dual citizenship to always enter the US by presenting their US passport.
The Immigration Advice Service can help you apply for a British passport
Whether you want to apply for British citizenship or if you already have and make an application for a British passport, the Immigration Advice Service can help you.
Our team of immigration lawyers have many successes working with individuals and families with their immigration queries and visa and nationality applications. Our testimonials speak for themselves – our lawyers are trusted as leading in their field.
Contact our client care team to make an appointment to talk through your circumstances and match you with a lawyer to meet your needs. You can call the IAS on 0333 305 9375 or fill in the contact form for a call-back.
You may be interested in reading about.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on May 5th, 2022 at 5:53 pm
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration lawyers will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your legal advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
