astro8

Hi,

I was born in the US to British parents and moved to britain aged 6. I have an american passport from when i was a baby which obviously expired ages ago and i have a british passport, which says that my birthplace was the US on it. I'm planning on going back to the US on holiday this June but I've read if you have dual nationality you have to enter the US on a US passport which I don't have the money or time to do for just a two week holiday. My question is, will I be ok to go there on holiday with my british passport? Or will I not be let in or something?

Thanks in advance

Noorah101

What you read is correct. USC's are supposed to enter the USA using a US passport. If you enter using your UK passport and the POE officer notices you were born in the USA, he has the right to fine you (not sure how much the fine is, you can probably google that one). He probably won't, but he could.

Rene

jeffreyhy

The USA tolerates, but does not recognize, dual citizenship. Unless one or the other of your parents was a diplomat in the USA, or otherwise not subject to US jurisdiction, the US considers you to be a citizen of the USA.

You might want to look through CBP's Inspector's Field Manual to see what guidance it gives to CBP officers when they encounter someone in your situation.

You can renounce your US citizenship, if you wish.

Regards, JEff

ian-mstm

This is true even if you're a US citizen without dual nationality. It is the law, by the way, that US citizens must enter the US with a US passport... in case you were wondering.


The US isn't interested in your inconvenience. Something else you might want to consider... as a USC you can't actually apply for ESTA - as that's only for people who are visitors to the US... not for US citizens.


As a US citizen, you must be allowed to enter the US... but the officer is also allowed to fine you, if he so chooses, for not using a US passport. I suggest you bring your expired US passport.

Ian

rpjs

But would the airline allow him to board with an expired US passport and a non-US passport without an ESTA?

ian-mstm

I've no idea, but an expired US passport is still valid proof of citizenship... even if it's not valid as a travel document. If he has any issues with the front desk personnel at the airport, a supervisor should be requested.

Ian

BTJ

I'd just apply for a US passport at the embassy in London if I were you. You have plenty of time if you do it now, and it'll be cheaper than a fine. Plus it might prove useful over the next ten years. Also assuming you are male look up www.SSS.gov and regardless of gender read www.IRS.gov, you probably should be filing a tax return.

MarylandNed

Read this:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1753.html

"The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. "


Some USC's that hold other citizenships have problems with security clearance:

http://careers.state.gov/uploads/7a/...itizenship.pdf

MarylandNed

The answer is simple - get a US passport and use it to enter/leave the US. Bring your UK passport with you.

jeffreyhy

That's consistent with what I wrote.

Regards, JEff

FlyingDutchman6666

There's a very strong possibility that you will *not* be allowed to fly with just a valid UK passport and an expired US passport.

Timatic, which is the visa database airlines use, says: