Dual Citizens and International Travel: Which Passports to Carry?

The Importance of Dual Passports

Dual citizenship can open up a world of travel opportunities, but it also brings challenges when it comes to international travel. Whether to carry both passports or just one depends on the destination and the traveler's specific circumstances. In this article, we explore the best strategies for choosing which passport to carry when a dual citizen travels internationally. We'll share insights from real-life experiences to guide you through the process.

Common Scenarios and Best Practices

Scenario 1: International Travel with Both Passports

Both. You never know when you will need them.

For example, at Toronto/Pearson Airport, en route to Israel, we were pre-boarded and thoroughly checked by Israeli Immigration one by one before we could board the plane. I handed the agent my Canadian Passport. Without looking up or even changing her tone, she said, "Let me see your US Passport." She didn’t add "If you have one." Then she picked up both of them and headed into a back room. Gulp! Fortunately, all was well. But I was very glad I always carry both— even if I am only going across the river to buy groceries.

Scenario 2: Choosing Based on Visa-Free Travel

I am a US and Peru double citizen. When traveling to a destination that is not Peru or the US, I choose what passport I want to bring with me based on which is more suitable. It's generally better to use my Peruvian identity document or passport when traveling in South America because entrance policies for US passport holders differ. Then I use the same passport to leave the country I'm visiting. When traveling between the US and Peru, I use my US passport when I'm on US territory and my Peruvian passport when I'm on Peruvian territory. So when I leave Peru I get my exit stamp then I put my Peru passport away, present my US passport to US immigration, visit the US, and then do the reverse to return to Peru.

Scenario 3: Flexibility in Passport Selection

When traveling to Jamaica, I present my Jamaican passport at passport control, and when traveling to the US, I present my US one to CBP. Elsewhere, I use the passport that is more suitable for visa-free travel. For example, I visit Canada a lot to see family and friends, and I use my US passport to do so, as I'm usually granted up to 180 days. On a Jamaican passport, you need a visa from the Canadian embassy. For travel to certain African countries such as Ghana, Tanzania, and The Gambia, Jamaican passport holders are granted 60–90 days visa-free, while US passport holders need a visa or must obtain an e-visa or visa-on-arrival.

The Challenges of Border Security

Trivia moments like the one at Toronto/Pearson Airport highlight the unpredictability of border security. Even if a traveler only plans to visit a neighboring country, they should bring both passports. In some cases, border officials may request a second passport, especially if they suspect that the traveler intends to make a longer stay or has a hidden residency intention.

Conclusion

Carrying both passports is often the safest and most prudent approach for dual citizens traveling internationally. However, the most practical choice depends on the destination and the traveler's specific entry requirements. Always err on the side of flexibility, and be prepared for the possibility that you may need both passports at some point during your journey.