Travelling
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How to travel with two passports

After obtaining second citizenship, many practical questions arise. These include how to travel with two passports, which one to use, to whom, and what to show when crossing the border.

The answers can be confusing. Documents must be shown several times: in the home country at the airline counter, at passport control, and again after arrival in another country.

Learn how to cross the border with two passports in 2025.

Vladlena Baranova
Author • Vladlena Baranova

Explained the procedure

Fact checked byAlina Mishurenko

Reviewed byElena Ruda

How to cross the border with a second passport: tickets, entry and exit

How to travel with two passports

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Let’s explore the case of a Turkish citizen having second citizenship in Malta. To enter the European Union, they must have two documents: a Turkish passport and a Maltese passport.

There can be any non-EU country passport instead of a Turkish one, and a Maltese passport can be changed to a passport from any EU or Caribbean state.

Individual cost calculation for Maltese citizenship

Individual cost calculation for Maltese citizenship

Travelling with two passports: which passport to use at an airline counter

passengers must present a visa along with the ticket to enter the European Union. However, a Malta passport allows travel within the Schengen Area without a visa.

Therefore, in this case, the passport of an EU citizen permits you to enter the country.

You cannot refuse to show your passport to airline employees. The carrier is responsible for boarding only those with valid documents. The airline must ensure that upon arrival, the passenger will accurately pass border control. If the border guards of another country deploy it, the airline will have to carry it back at its own expense.

After check-in, the Malta passport can be put away. It won’t be needed again until arrival in the European Union.

Which passport to show at passport control

A citizen must leave their home country using their first passport. Even if the border guards ask for a visa, the passenger is not obliged to show it. Along with the passport, you only need to present a boarding pass.

Permission to enter the destination country. Passport control officers have no right to check the availability of permission to enter another state. And its absence does not give them the right to detain a passenger.

Which passport to show at passport control in the European Union

The second passport is presented upon arrival in an EU country. European Union citizens do not need a visa to go through passport control, so they can use the corridor for EU citizens.

A Maltese passport will also suffice when travelling within Europe and crossing the internal borders of the European Union.

The first passport must be shown upon returning from Europe. The carrier is responsible for having a valid entry permit and, if refused, will bear deportation costs.

Vladlena Baranova

Vladlena Baranova,

Head of Legal & AML Compliance Department, CAMS, IMCM

When crossing the border with a second passport, for example, from the Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis, you may be asked how you obtained citizenship. You should answer honestly that you participated in a citizenship-by-investment program.

Which passport to use when returning to the country of first citizenship

At passport control in Turkey, you need to show a Turkish passport. The border guards do not check which documents were used for European travel.

The second passport can be put away and not used until a new trip.

Nuances to remember

It is important to follow the rule: you must present the same document at the entrance to and exit from the country. There are only two of them, so it’s hard to get confused.

Flight tickets can be bought using any document. For the airline, both the Turkish passport and the EU citizen’s passport are legitimate.

Dual citizenship first time travelling: 10 important things to consider

1. Customs and security checks. Some airports or customs authorities might not be familiar with dual citizenship travellers, so it’s important to be prepared to explain your situation. Have both passports ready for inspection if necessary to avoid delays.

2. Consular assistance. Understanding the best approach for switching two passports while travelling can make it easier to navigate consular support if needed. If you get into trouble while travelling, knowing which embassy or consulate you can turn to for assistance in the country you’re visiting is good.

3. Military service. If your second country of citizenship mandates compulsory military service, you may be called to serve immediately upon entering the country. For instance, Turkey has strict military service requirements, possibly requiring you to report for military duty right away, regardless of whether you plan to stay long-term or just visit.

4. Tax agreements. Certain countries may tax dual nationals based on their worldwide income or require them to fulfil specific tax residency requirements.

In the case of Malta and Turkey, you are considered a tax resident of either country if you spend more than 183 days there during a calendar year. As a tax resident, you will be subject to taxation on your worldwide income in both countries.

However, a key difference between the two is that Malta applies a remittance basis of taxation for foreign income. This means that foreign income is only taxed in Malta if brought into the country. On the other hand, Turkey taxes all residents on their worldwide income, regardless of whether it is brought into the country.

5. Customs declarations. Some countries require specific customs declarations depending on the citizenship you hold. For instance, customs duties apply to personal goods when entering Malta from a non-EU country. You may need to declare items such as:

  • goods exceeding the duty-free allowance, like alcohol, tobacco, or perfumes;

  • cash or equivalent exceeding €10,000.

Travellers entering Turkey must declare if they are carrying cash over €5,000. This includes not just cash but also traveller’s cheques, money orders, and similar financial instruments. Turkey also has specific duty-free limits for certain goods. For example, travellers are allowed to bring 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine duty-free, along with 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.

6. Considerations for dual citizenship with a conflict of interest. In cases where your two countries of citizenship have opposing laws, policies, or political tensions, be aware of how this could affect your travel. You might be scrutinised more heavily at border crossings or airports.

7. Travelling with children. Some countries may require additional documents, like parental consent forms. They are used to avoid potential child abduction or disputes between divorced parents or guardians.

8. Health insurance coverage. When travelling abroad, make sure that your health insurance applies to both citizenships. Verify which passport will provide the best coverage during your travels.

9. Healthcare access. Dual citizens can receive medical treatment in both countries, with healthcare services being free of charge in public hospitals. It includes doctor consultations, hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency care.

10. Using your foreign passport for visa-free travel. If your passports are from two different countries, one might offer visa-free access to more countries than the other.

Turkey allows its citizens to visit 126 countries visa-free, while the Maltese passport grants access to 171 countries, including all Schengen Area countries, the UK, the US, and Canada.

Travelling from the US as a dual citizen

US exit and entry requirements. US citizens are required to use their US passports for both entry and exit. They are not permitted to enter the country using a foreign passport. Additionally, US citizens are ineligible to apply for a US visa.

Foreign bank account reporting. If an individual has more than $10,000 in foreign bank or brokerage accounts, they may be required to complete the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.

Tax implications. Even if no taxes are owed, individuals may be required to file their US tax returns. Their worldwide income is subject to US taxation. Additionally, they may need to file a tax return in the state where they were last a resident.

Travelling to countries with mandatory exit stamps. Some countries, like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, require an exit stamp on your passport when leaving. If travelling with a foreign passport as a dual national, confusion may arise at the exit immigration point, as the US system may also require an exit stamp.

Having both passports ready can help avoid delays at the airport.

Travelling to countries that do not recognise US dual nationals. Some countries, like China and India, do not recognise dual nationality, and entering with a US passport could complicate travel. These countries may require you to choose one nationality for entry, and using two passports could lead to denial of entry or legal issues at border control.

Limited US assistance abroad. Local authorities may not recognise a person’s US citizenship, especially if they hold citizenship in the country they are visiting and did not enter using their US passport. If detained, even if the dual national requests the nearest US embassy or consulate be notified, local authorities may deny consular access.

Thinking of moving from the USA? Discover your options

Practical Guide

Thinking of moving from the USA? Discover your options

Countries where you can get a second passport by investment

The traditional way to acquire new citizenship is through naturalisation. This requires living in the country for a long period, knowing the language and history, having a job, housing, and a good reputation.

Some countries aiming to attract foreign investment offer faster and more convenient options.

mt-flag Malta grants citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. Depending on the contribution amount, the timeframe for getting a second passport is one or three years. The minimum investment is €690,000.

vu-flag Vanuatu offers citizenship by investment starting at $130,000. It is the fastest option for investors: a second passport can be issued in just 1 to 4 months.

kn-flag Five Caribbean countries provide second citizenship to investors under similar conditions. The minimum investment amount is $200,000, and the passport can be obtained within 6+ months.

tr-flag Turkey citizenship is popular among real estate investors. One can qualify for a Turkish passport by purchasing one or more residential or commercial properties with a total deal value of at least $400,000.

pt-flag Portugal offers an option for those willing to first obtain a residence permit and then apply for citizenship by naturalisation after 5 years.

Suppose the residence permit is obtained by investment. In that case, the foreigner is not required to relocate to Portugal: spending 7 days per year in the country to maintain residency and be eligible to apply for citizenship is enough.

The minimum investment for Portugal residency by investment is €250,000. However, to have the opportunity to recoup investments after a few years, one must invest at least €500,000 in shares of investment funds.

Shortly about travelling with two passports

  1. Dual passport holders can take advantage of visa-free access to more countries.

  2. A second passport helps bypass restrictions that may be imposed on the primary passport, such as visa denials or entry bans.

  3. In most cases, the same document must be presented when entering and exiting the country.

  4. Understanding the rules of both countries is important to avoid unexpected issues, such as military service obligations or tax implications.

  5. Countries that offer second passports by investment include Vanuatu, Malta, Turkey, and five Caribbean countries.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in the EU, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global 15-year expertise — schedule a meeting with our investment programs experts.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Which passport should be presented to the airline employee at the check-in counter?

    If you are departing from your country of first citizenship, you must show your second passport at the airport check-in desk.

    The carrier requires you to present a second passport to go through border control safely in the future. The airline employee will check the information and validity of the passport. If you refuse to show your second passport, you may not be allowed to board the plane.

  • What documents do I need to present at the border control desk upon departure?

    At passport control, when leaving the country, you must show your passport and boarding pass for the country of destination. You are not required to present other documents.

  • How to go through passport control in the country of arrival?

    You have landed at the second country airport and are heading to passport control. You will again need a second passport, but you do not need to show a visa or a first passport.

    If you obtained second citizenship in one of the EU countries, you would be able to travel with two passports to more than 150 countries. However, you do not need to present the first passport.

  • What documents must be presented when returning to the country of first citizenship?

    When you return to the country of first citizenship, you must show the country’s passport on arrival. You are not required to present documents you used to travel to other countries.

    The main thing to remember is that you must present the same document at the entrance and exit from the same country. However, you can buy plane tickets with any passport.

  • Can one travel with multiple passports?

    Yes, dual citizens can travel with multiple passports, using each for different countries based on travel requirements, effectively broadening the number of visa-free countries. For example, travelling with two passports as a dual UK citizen and a citizen of Dominica offers greater flexibility, as the second passport allows visa-free entry to countries like China.

  • Can I enter a country with one passport and exit with another?

    Yes, it’s possible, but some countries may require you to enter and exit using the same passport. Always check the specific rules for each country. US citizens are required to use their US passports for both entry and exit.

  • Is there a downside to having two passports?

    The main downside is managing the requirements and potential confusion at border controls. For example, if a person enters one country with one passport and exits with another, border officials may question the discrepancy, leading to delays or complications.

  • How does a second passport work?

    A second passport functions similarly to the primary one, allowing travel to countries where the first passport might have restrictions. Having two passports also provides access to free public healthcare in both countries.

    Managing two passports can be tricky, especially when it comes to border control. For example, using one passport to enter a country and another to exit can cause confusion or delays.

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