U.S. Passport Required for Travel to U.S.

Reminder to Citizens

Last updated July 13, 2026

On 11 June 2026, the State Department circulated a reminder via email to Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) enrollees that U.S. law requires U.S. citizens enter and depart the United States using their U.S. passport.

The subject line of the email was “Routine Message: Reminder for U.S. Citizens: U.S. Passport Required to Enter the United States”. As there was no recent change to applicable U.S. law (8 U.S. Code § 1185(b)), we believe this message was in fact routine.

Additional information to keep in mind:

1. The requirement for U.S. citizens to enter and depart the United States using their U.S. passport applies to U.S. citizens who also hold another nationality, including children.

2. U.S. citizens are not eligible for a U.S. visa. Dual national U.S. citizens may not use their foreign passport to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ESTA). The Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens.

3. If you live abroad and plan to travel to the United States make sure you do so with a valid U.S. passport.

4. If your U.S. passport expires soon, renew before you travel to the United States. Many countries (for example, the country where you reside and plan to return to after visiting the United States) require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your date of entry.

5. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the implications of exiting a foreign country with a foreign passport but during travel, you enter the United States using your U.S. passport.

6. Review the State Department’s website on Dual Nationality.

7. Enroll in STEP, which is a free service so that the State Department can accurately and quickly contact you in case of emergency during your residence or travels overseas.

8. AARO cannot advise members on their personal dual nationality circumstances. AARO does, however, provide: (a) an "Ask an Expert" feature on its website for general advice on citizenship issues, (b) feedback to federal government agencies and Members of Congress about unique issues faced by overseas Americans who are dual nationals, and, (c) general feedback to the State Department about the “user experience” overseas Americans have when applying to renew passports at embassies and consulates worldwide.