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What passport to use traveling to USA with two citizenships? (lemmy.world)

submitted 8 months ago by Grogon@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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Can I use my german passport to travel to USA or do I use my US passport?

And if I lived and worked in germany my whole life and never in the USA and never filed taxes can I enter USA without problems?

I just found out I am us citizen a few years ago don't ask why but I'm 34 and recently traveled to US with my german passport and they were all like "wtf where is your passport" and I'm like: "Here.." and they "Yeah your american passport?!" and I'm "I'm german" and he is like: "Dude you are born on american ground you are american!"

Well they let me travel in to the states without american passport but told me to go to the embassy as soon as I arrive back in germany or else I won't be able to enter USA again.

That being said, I done that. Now I have my american passport. But do I show both passports or only US passport? And after doing my research I found out americans file taxes every year. I haven't done it the last 18 years of working. Should I just not file? I will never work in the USA and I will never live in the USA. Or will I get problems at the airport? Can they see I don't file?

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[–] boletus@sh.itjust.works 7 points 8 months ago (1 children)

For entering and exiting the US you should have a US passport and travel using it. Bring your German passport with you for proof of citizenship once you enter Germany. It's basically your visa, and dictates if you can enter the country and the permitted duration of stay. Passports are complicated, always do your research before travelling, or just call your carrier.

[–] Peppycito@sh.itjust.works 0 points 8 months ago (4 children)

I thought traveling with 2 passports was a big no-no?

[–] boletus@sh.itjust.works 4 points 8 months ago

I worked as a check in agent in Australia for 2 years and we had zero issues with people carrying two passports with them. I've dealt with flights regarding Melbourne, Singapore, Sydney, Doha, Kuala Lumpur, LAX, Ottawa and others, none of which I can recall anyone being pulled aside for carrying a second passport.

That said I'm not a border security officer, and it's best to check with your origin/destination's border security website, because I don't know if that is an issue in some port I'm not familiar with.

[–] AllNewTypeFace@leminal.space 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Why would it be?

[–] TheGalacticVoid@lemm.ee 1 points 8 months ago

There's a decent chunk of countries that outlaw dual citizenship, so I'm honestly not surprised that this is the case.

[–] ahto@feddit.de 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

I can imagine that some authorities might find it suspicious, but in OPs case, it is necessary to travel with both passports to have the least hassle.

Entering the US with your German passport or returning to Germany with your US passport if you have both will lead to a lot of questions as you won't have the necessary visa in those passports.

Edit: Although I wouldn't present both passports at the same time, only the one that is applicable or more convenient for wherever you are.

[–] maegul@lemmy.ml 2 points 8 months ago

Me too. I’ve heard a story from a friend who did that (Aus, UK) and had guns pulled on him in Singapore for it followed by being pulled aside while an investigation ensued.