Dual Nationality

Dual nationality means you are a national of 2 countries. A dual national generally has legal rights and obligations in both countries.

You may knowingly or unknowingly be a national of another country, even if you have not been issued a passport by that country.   

Having dual nationality has advantages, but dual nationals should also understand the potential legal issues that can make life and travel more complex. Research the dual nationality laws of any country where you are considered to be a national before you travel there.  

A person may hold more than 2 nationalities, and the same guidance generally applies.

You may become a dual (or multiple) national of the United States and other countries if you:  

• Were born in the United States and you have a parent that is a citizen of another country. Your second nationality would be based on the laws of the other country. If 1 of your parents was an accredited foreign diplomat working in the US when you were born, you may not have acquired U.S. nationality at birth.
• Were born outside the United States to 1 or 2 parents who are U.S. citizens. Your second nationality is based on the foreign country’s laws.
• Naturalize as a U.S. citizen while keeping the nationality of another country.

There are some requirements that U.S. citizen dual nationals must follow:   

• You must enter and leave the United States on your U.S. passport. You are not allowed to enter on your foreign passport based on U.S. law. 
• U.S. citizens are not eligible for a U.S. visa.
• If your child is a citizen of the United States, they are not eligible for a U.S. visa. This is true even if you have not taken steps to document your child as a U.S. citizen. If you want to enter or leave the United States with your U.S. citizen child, you must obtain a U.S. passport for them.
• As a U.S. citizen, you are obligated to comply with U.S. tax laws. You also may want to consult a tax advisor experienced in filing taxes for dual nationals. 

Different countries have different laws on dual nationality. Some countries may not permit it.

Research your destination’s dual nationality laws before you travel. Our Travel Guidance for your destination is a helpful resource.

You may also check in with the embassy of any country where you have a foreign nationality before you travel. Examples of regulations that may impact dual nationals include:

• Entry and exit requirements: When traveling to a country where you have U.S. and that country’s nationality, you may need to use a passport from that country. You may also need to show an ID from that country. Some countries impose restrictions on all departing citizens. For example, they may need an exit visa. 
• Exit bans: Some countries may impose exit bans on individuals, including dual nationals, as an alternative to criminal detention or in civil or familial disputes.  While usually routine, in rare instances exit bans may be used coercively on people not facing charges. They can be used to force an associate or relative under investigation to return from abroad. Those subject to an exit ban may not know how long the restrictions or investigation may last. Exit bans and long document processing can cause a significant financial burden and other challenges. These may include unemployment, unexpected living expenses or homelessness, loss of identity documents, and fines.
• Limited U.S. assistance abroad: Local authorities may not recognize your U.S. nationality if you are also a national of that country. This is especially true if you did not enter the country using your U.S. passport. Even if a dual national requests police or prison officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate, they may not do so. In addition, U.S. consular officials may not be allowed to access them.
• Military service: Dual nationals may have to do military service in the foreign country where they are a national. This obligation may be imposed immediately upon arrival or when attempting to leave the country.
• Registration: In some countries, you may be required to register your other nationalities.
• Prohibition of dual nationality: Some countries prohibit dual nationality. You may be forced to give up that country’s nationality if you are also a U.S. national. You could be asked to do so through a formal act of renunciation.

We recommend that you research the dual nationality laws of your countries. This includes countries where you are a dual national, or where you want to naturalize. You can find a list of local attorneys who may be able to assist you in the U.S. embassy or consulate website for your destination.