Bearcub

Hello

My husband is a british expat with US Citizenship since November. He still has his UK passport. However, we booked international travel to Mexico for next week only to realise he may need a US passport, is that right? Is it basically impossible to get back into the US without US passport? He seemed to think he could get back in with his citizenship certificate in replace of his green card which is when I realized he needs a US passport. Can anyone confirm or provide any suggestions?

Jerseygirl

It is a legal requirement that all USCs enter and leave the US using a US PP. Saying that a US citizen cannot be denied entry to the US. The problem would be trying to board a plane back to the US without a US PP.

Bearcub

Hi thank you for your response. It all makes sense when I think about it, you're coming back into USA so they want a US passport. But there is not a way to use UK passport for this entry as a citizen? Visa waiver? I'm just desperately looking at options but am well aware we are 99.999999% having to cancel this.

Olly_

If you get to the border they will have to let him in but if you're flying the airline won't allow him to board without a US passport so that'll be a non starter. US citizens can't apply for an ESTA.

Bearcub

Got it, thank you everyone for clarification. I've canceled my entire trip and am shipping him back to the UK, jk.

Jerseygirl

He is now a USC...he cannot use the VWP/ESTA.

Airlines are not allowed to take passengers without authorization to enter the US. That’s the problem your husband will have.

I am not sure how long it takes to get a new US PP expedited. Only took a few days for us but that was some time ago.

newacct

If he will be in Mexico he can always cross back into the US by land, if that's compatible with his travel plans.

tht

As others correctly mention it is required USC use a US passport. I was at EWR a few years ago and witnessed a non USC presenting his foreign passport and folded up certificate of naturalization to CBP. I was through and gone to fast to see the final outcome, but based on what I overheard “you have been told before to get a US passport” I assumed that this was not the first time he was entering without a US passport. He has obviously been allowed to board his flight. Based on his attire and the other flights that arrived at the same time as my LHR I assumed he was coming from Israel, which I don’t believe has the visa waiver.