My children have Dual UK/US Nationality. If we travel to the US do their US passports have to be current?

Question

Its a major pain getting them renewed $80 each plus time off work for BOTH parents and round trip travel to London. Can we just take the expired passports with us and travel on their valid British passports.

Answer 1

Yes, Americans who have dual nationality MUST enter and exit the United States on their American passport.

Answer 2

The notion of maintaining the fiction that an individual is not a United States citizen when such a person is a United States citizen could create significant difficulties.

"Under no circumstances, however, should we begin the practice of stamping foreign passports for United States citizens as there is no legal authority to do so."

8 U.S.C. 1185(6) makes it unlawful for American citizens to depart from or enter the United States without a valid United States passport.

So, the answer is: Your children must have valid U.S. passports to enter the U.S. from the U.K. The U.S. recognizes dual nationality as a matter of fact, but not as a matter of law or policy. The inspectors at the ports-of-entry are trained to turn a blind eye to foreign passports presented by U.S. citizens.

Answer 3

IF YOU ARE A US CITIZEN, YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST USE A US PASSPORT TO ENTER AND EXIT THE US.

I cannot emphasise this enough. Absolutely do NOT attempt to enter the US on a foreign passport if you are a US citizen.

It is illegal under US law, and could create huge problems for you (in some cases, they may even take it as implied renunciation of citizenship, and that is really not good).

IGNORE ANY ANSWERS THAT TELL YOU ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY: THEY MUST ENTER THE US ON THEIR US PASSPORTS.

Answer 4

any valid passport is acceptable

edit and I repeat any valid passport is acceptable when you travel on a british passport you are in reality a british citizen and therefore USA RULES CANNOT APPLY

I have contacted US immingration and they state you require a valid passport from any country it does not matter if you have a american passport that as expired if the passport as not expired you would be required to use it. but he also stated a expired passport is just a piece of paper when it as expired. and of no consequence

Answer 5

I don't think they would, seeing as they're legal citizens of both countries. You would probably only need their expired passports and some other form of ID as positive identification. But, you never know with all of the red tape there is with international travel. I'd check on the US Dept. of State website, to be absolutely sure. http://travel.state.gov/

If that doesn't help, you could always call your airline. I'm sure they'd be able to tell you.

Answer 6

But, you never know with all of the red tape there is with international travel.

Answer 7

Ask the American or British embassy you may also inquire at their web sites.

Answer 8

With citizenship comes responsibility - dual citizenship, even more so.  US citizens, including dual nationals, must use a US passport to enter and leave the United States, so yes, their passports must be current.  If it is too much of a hassle, you can always arrange to renounce the US citizenship.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw...

NOTE:  Allow me to reiterate, by law, US citizens, including dual nationals, must use a US passport to enter and leave the United States.  Can you circumvent the law?  Certainly, many people do, but it goes to character, and when you are caught, it tends to be embarrassing.  Of course, you can always get all teary eyed and plead ignorance and hope you won't be turned around at the Port of Entry, but again, it goes to character.  One question might be, "What kind of lessons are you trying to teach your children?"....

Answer 9

you may never travel with an expired passport, you would never leave the country,

you can travel with the British passport, it is OK,since Britain and the USA are on the visa waiver program,they do not need a visa to enter the US,or the UK, and no? you do not have to give up a citizenship to make life easier,

i too, have dual citizenship,and had a passport being renewed, so i just used the one with the validity, until the other one was released;

it can happen that you do not have your US passport at the time of your travels , that does NOT make you a law breaker and NO you will not get into problems with the authority entering the country, or exiting

ah? for the example you show your children? when their passports are issued for a longer time than when they are a child? get them one........and i am an US citizen and from another country as well............

Answer 10

Better safe, than sorry. Why ask for troubles? This administration is going to make you the example if your not careful.

Answer 11

You can only travel on one passport at a time, so if you exit the country on the British passport you must reenter on that same passport. Holding a invalid passport will hold no merit, just get the US passport done when you have the chance.

Answer 12

Your plan sounds good to me.The expiredPassports are really worthless.I can see the point about the trip to LOndon though wot a pain.Ring the Airline in the UK they will put you right as if you are not valid they wouldnt dare allow you to board.