Which to use: USA or UK Passport when coming back?
Jan 15th 2020, 2:08 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 5
Which to use: USA or UK Passport when coming back?
We will be coming back in next few weeks (it has been a challenging process after 26 years in the USA) but now we are in the final stretch. We both have dual UK/USA citizenship and thus two passports each. It seems like a silly question, but which one do we use at immigration control at the airport in the UK? In other words, do we enter as UK or USA citizens and does it matter? Anyone else had to make this choice? Are there any rules? Insight would be much appreciated.
Jan 15th 2020, 2:11 pm
#2
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,391
Re: Which to use: USA or UK Passport when coming back?
You are a British citizen and entering your own country. Use your British passport.
Jan 15th 2020, 2:50 pm
#3
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,448
Re: Which to use: USA or UK Passport when coming back?
If you entered the UK using your US passports you would be processed as a visitor, and therefore you would become an over-stayer after 6 months. Obviously that is nonsense if you hold British passports, but it could come back and bite you in awkward ways, such as related to residence matters for taxes, pensions, and NHS registration. In short, use your British passports, and I am puzzled why you would consider doing otherwise. 
Jan 17th 2020, 6:16 pm
#4
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Not in Paris
Posts: 18,194
Re: Which to use: USA or UK Passport when coming back?
What they said.
