Will my kids need a US passport when returning from Europe?

Question

I have two children and both have dual citizenship. They were born in the US and their father was born in Brasil. They both have valid Brasilian passports, but we're in a waiting game for their US passports. We have a family trip to Europe coming up in a few weeks and I was wondering if they would need their US passports to re-enter the US. They would be able to use their Brasilian passports going into and around Europe, getting back to the US would be the problem. If I take as much personal ID for them as possible (birth certificates, etc) and proof that we've applied for their passports, wouldn't they have to let them in at our borders? Would it help to obtain visas on their Brasilian side to reenter the US?

Answer 1

If they are dual citizens, your children may use other passports to enter and leave other countries, but MUST use US passports to leave and enter the US, when a passport is required - such as for your European travel.  This is the law.

In addition, US consular officers are not permitted to issue nonimmigrant visas to people who are US citizens, no matter how many other passports they have; besides, your children aren't nonimmigrants.

Answer 2

Dognhorsemom knows what she's talking about.

Actually no, immigration wouldn't have to let them in on Brazilian passports. Not without visas, and you wouldn't be issued visas in Brazilian passports, if your children are US citizens. Maybe you could eventually get CBP to believe you, but you would certainly be spending a lot of quality time in their waiting room trying to explain it all. And as noted, US citizens are required to enter the US on US passports.

Quite aside from US immigration, in all probability, the airlines wouldn't let your children board without US passports or visas. Airlines are heavily fined for bringing in aliens without visas.  

There are special temporary provisions to allow Americans to fly between the US, Canada, Mexico and the Carribean if they can show evidence of passport applications, but that does not apply to travel to Europe or elsewhere. So, you might be able to leave the US with the Brazilian passports, you would experience a great deal of trouble getting back with them.

Answer 3

if the brazilian passports are not within the new rule of the US ? no, all children who live in the US , must have their own passport , it is the law ,

Important Notice

U.S. Department of State

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Passport Services

All Minors Must Appear in Person

Now, when applying for a passport on behalf of a minor under the age of 14, parents are required to have their child present and submit documentation of parental relationship and consent, as well as comply with all other documentation requirements for the issuance of a passport.

if their passports is not the brazilian updated passport for the US , you would have to have a visa to re-entrer the US,

do know that ..........

if the brazilian passport is up to date ;biometric ?

It is the traveler’s responsibility to obtain a U.S. passport from the Department of State and appropriate visas from the embassy or consulate of the country of destination. Canceling a scheduled trip abroad may cost money. When making reservations, travelers should discuss cancellation policies with their travel agent, travel insurer or airline. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation; Medicare does not cover medical expenses abroad.

What are the special features of an Electronic Passport?

The special features of an Electronic Passport are:

Securely stored biographical information and digital image that are identical to the information that is visually displayed in the passport; and

Contactless chip technology that allows the information stored in an Electronic Passport to be read by special chip readers at a close distance.

Uses digital signature technology to verify the authenticity of the data stored on the chip.  This technology is commonly used in credit cards and other secure documents using integrated circuits or chips.

How does an Electronic Passport facilitate travel?

The Electronic Passport facilitates travel by allowing:  

Automated identity verification;

Faster immigration inspections; and

Greater border protection and security.

The Electronic Passport is designed to function for the passport’s full validity period under normal use.

Why are Electronic Passports being issued?

As a security measure, Congress has legislated that all countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program with the United States must issue passports with integrated circuits (chips), to permit storage of at least a digital image of the passport photograph for use with face recognition technology.  The U.S. is doing so on a reciprocal basis and will comply with the latest international standards established for secure travel documents.

if the kids do not have a US passport? get one in fast service .

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trav...

Brazilian visas must be obtained in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to the traveler's place of residence.  There are no "airport visas" and immigration authorities will refuse entry to Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa.  All Brazilian visas, regardless of the length of validity, must initially be used within 90 days of the issuance date or will no longer be valid.  Immigration authorities will not allow entry into Brazil without a valid visa.  The U.S. Government cannot assist travelers who arrive in Brazil without proper documentation.  or to re-enter the US .

yes, your kids will need an US passport ,

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppi/new...

i imagine you have US passport ? since you said # american mom #

ps:

and besides, if they do not have an US passport , they will need a visa to

enter some countries en Europe who are not in the schengen zone..........

Answer 4

I f they can leave the country on it, they should be able to return on it. Are their passports EU ?

Answer 5

Do they have US visas in their Brasilian passports?  As you probably know, Brasileiros need a visa to enter the US, so if their only valid passport is from Brasil, they will need the same documentation.

Answer 6

From my understanding of the WHTI, as long as they have a passport they will be allowed to enter the US by air. I really don't think it should have to be an American passport either; however, if you want to be able to claim that they are American, you will need to be able to prove that, and that's where the American passport would come in handy. To show a Brasilian passport only proves they are Brasilian citizens. If you are careful and comfortable enough to travel with their birth certificates, then do so.

Also, if your trip is taking place before the end of September 2007, you can carry proof that you have applied for their US passports and still be able to fly.