Which passport do you use ?
#1
Forum Regular
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 226
Which passport do you use ?
This question is directed at those holding multiple passports - particularly UK plus US . When traveling to third countries where there’s no obvious basis to use one over the other - eg UK passport within EU , or places where one passport had no visa requirement , on what basis do you choose which passport to use ? It would be particularly interesting if you’d mention which country it was and the basis of your choice.
#4
Re: Which passport do you use ?
There's an idea, find a country that doesn't mandate crappy passport photos and and get citizenship there.
#5
Re: Which passport do you use ?
This question is directed at those holding multiple passports - particularly UK plus US . When traveling to third countries where there’s no obvious basis to use one over the other - eg UK passport within EU , or places where one passport had no visa requirement , on what basis do you choose which passport to use ? It would be particularly interesting if you’d mention which country it was and the basis of your choice.
#6
Re: Which passport do you use ?
You are required to use the US passport to leave and enter the US, that is a legal requiremant, entering the UK or other countries you can use either.
#7
Re: Which passport do you use ?
Why carry two passports when you can just carry one? Unless you're headed to the UK... Assuming both passports are US/UK.
#8
Re: Which passport do you use ?
I obviously use the US PP to leave and enter the US. Also use it for Canada as our Canadian PR is linked to my US PPs. I use the UK PP to enter the UK, because I don’t like being asked why I am visiting my own country, use the US PP to leave if going to the US or Canada. As for other countries, it depends if it is beneficial to use a particular one, ie no visa is required for Brazil when using a UK PP.
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 111
Re: Which passport do you use ?
The US for everywhere. The UK only to enter the UK. I'm not sure I've come across any situation where the UK will benefit more than the US (I am sure there are several situations...I've just not been in them)
#10
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Posts: 4,129
Re: Which passport do you use ?
A few years ago, while living in the USA we planned a trip to Australia for 6 months. We decided to enter and leave Australia on our UK passport. I think it was cheaper on the UK passport but since the passport had to be sent to the Australian embassy for a 6 month visa anyway, we decided we’d rather lose our UK passport in the post than our US passport.
We have always used our UK passport to enter the UK and other EU countries. We are going to Paris on Eurostar on November 5th so depending on Brexit or not on October 31st we may be using our US passports if that seems easier.
ETA
On leaving Australia we used our US passport on checkin at the airline desk and our UK passport when going through Australian border control as they check that you have been in the country on a valid visa and not over stayed.
We have always used our UK passport to enter the UK and other EU countries. We are going to Paris on Eurostar on November 5th so depending on Brexit or not on October 31st we may be using our US passports if that seems easier.
ETA
On leaving Australia we used our US passport on checkin at the airline desk and our UK passport when going through Australian border control as they check that you have been in the country on a valid visa and not over stayed.
Last edited by durham_lad; Sep 17th 2019 at 4:34 pm.
#11
Re: Which passport do you use ?
I travel on my US passport even going to the UK, especially now US passport holders can use the e-gates. In fact I don't even take the UK one with me, one less document to not have to worry about losing while traveling.
#12
Re: Which passport do you use ?
I use my US passport when visiting non-EU countries, on the grounds that the Department of State does have something of a track record of actually caring about the welfare of American citizens abroad, and isn't the chocolate fireguard that the FCO is.
Assuming UK passports end up being equiv to US passports for visits to the EU in future, I'll only be taking my UK passport for visits to the UK and Ireland.
Assuming UK passports end up being equiv to US passports for visits to the EU in future, I'll only be taking my UK passport for visits to the UK and Ireland.
#13
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Joined: Mar 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 455
Re: Which passport do you use ?
There's a reason why I have multiple concurrently valid British Passports and no, I'm not in the spy business!