Traveling with dual citizenship and two passports – advantages and tips

If you have dual citizenship, such as Italian and American or Argentine, you will have two passports, and it is important to know how to use them correctly when traveling. This article explains best practices to avoid inconveniences at immigration controls.

Which passport to use?

Each country has its own rules regarding the use of passports. Presenting more than one passport at border control can cause problems, so it is key to know the regulations of the country you are traveling to. In Italy, citizens must identify themselves with their Italian passport both upon entry and exit. Similarly, American citizens must use their American passport when traveling to or from the US. Most countries follow a similar policy, so it is advisable to inform yourself before traveling.

Entry and exit requirements

In many countries, immigration control is done only upon entry. However, European countries, especially those that are part of the Schengen area, have controls at entry and exit. This means that travellers must ensure that they present the correct passport at each point to avoid delays or problems.

Booking flights and pre-checks

Nowadays, airlines ask for passport details at the time of booking. This is because they have the responsibility of verifying that passengers meet the entry requirements of their destination. When checking in, your passport details are checked against immigration databases and any passenger locator forms. To avoid complications, make sure that the information you enter at booking matches the passport you will use on the trip.

Advantages of the Italian passport in the EU

The Italian passport offers important benefits within the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA) and the countries of the Schengen Agreement. If you plan to stay more than 90 days in the EU, using the Italian passport will avoid the time restrictions applied to citizens of non-EU countries. It also facilitates entry and exit without the need for additional visas. Using eGates at airports in the EU

eGates are automated border controls that speed up entry and exit for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. These systems scan passports and compare biometric data with official records. If you have an Italian passport, you can use eGates to get through immigration more quickly. Additionally, if you are traveling with family members who are EU/EEA citizens over the age of 16 (18 in some countries), they can use them too.

Traveling outside the EU with an Italian passport

An Italian passport can offer advantages in countries outside the EU. Some countries allow visa-free entry for Italian citizens while imposing fees or restrictions on US citizens. For example, Thailand offers easier entry for Italians, while China has recently implemented a 15-day visa-free program for Italian citizens.

Conclusion

Having dual nationality and dual passports can be an advantage when travelling: having an Italian passport in addition to one, for example, from Argentina or the United States, can make it easier for you to enter Europe; however, to avoid problems, take both passports with you when travelling, as they may be necessary in certain circumstances.

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The content of this article is intended to offer general guidance on the subject. For particular questions or cases you should seek specialized advice on your specific situation.