Can my granddaughter with dual citizenship (UK/US) born & living in UK, travel to US with JUST UK passport?

Curious1usa

If she enters the US on her UK passport (VWP and no visa - she is not eligible for a visa), she may remain for no more than 90-days. While in the US, she would be under the Queen's protection, as she is entering as a UK subject.

Edit: If she identifies herself as a US citizen, she may not enter on a UK passport; if she presents the UK passport and her US citizenship is not raised, she will be accepted as a de facto UK citizen and be allowed to enter. However, please note, US law does require US citizens to enter the US with US documents.

hurricane_0_8

Here is an important side issue. I'm assuming your granddaughter is coming to the US for a visit with you. That is GREAT!. But, she will not be covered by your medical insurance or by any UK coverage and (if she is not being accompanied by at least one of her parents) you will need to have her bring documentary evidence that you have full authority to arrange for and authorize medical treatment if it becomes necessary.
To get a good medical coverage policy for her, go to http://www.wavehelp.com/trip-cancellation-insurance/index.htm and follow the leads. You can get a no-obligation quote and can buy on-line from the US or from UK if you wish.
Have a good visit.
Best wishes.

Your granddaughter CANNOT use her UK passport to enter the US - she needs to renew her US passport.

christiliz17

As long as it's just a temporary stay, she can come as a tourist. But you'd have no way of proving that she's also an American citizen. It might be far to travel to London, but you might want to call the embassy just to check it out with someone official.

dognhorsemom

No, your granddaughter may not use her UK passport for US travel. (This is one of the few times that Curious is wrong) US law requires that every American citizen use a US passport to enter and leave the US.

See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1753.html paragraph 4.

nowhereman

Off hand, I thought she could just use the British passport. But the visa section of the website of the U.S. embassy in London states that "...travellers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports." I think it would be best to call up the U.S. embassy to clear up any questions you might have.

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