With recent regulations, attaining dual citizenship is not as hard as it used to be. A number of Caribbean and European countries are offering feasible CBI and residence programs to become a citizen. If you get married to a citizen of another country, or even invest in the country’s infrastructure development, you easily attain a secondary passport. Although everyone is aware of the many doors a dual citizenship can open, travelling as a dual citizen can be a bit confusing. Which passport do you show at immigration? Do you always have to carry both passports at hand? In this article, we will discuss some tips to keep in mind while travelling with two passports.
BOOKING FLIGHT TICKETS
When you book a flight ticket, you will be asked to fill in the details of your passport. Fill in the details of the passport which allows visa free travel to the country. If you are a citizen of the country you are travelling to, always use that passport’s details. For example, if you want to travel to Germany and hold the citizenship of Lebanon and Grenada, fill in the details of your Grenadian passport when traveling to Germany.
AIRPORT PROCEDURES
When you check in, you will be asked to show your passport. Show the passport you used to book the flight. Remember to carry both of your passports in your hand luggage, as it might be handy if asked by the airline staff. Especially when you book one-way tickets, it is best you have the appropriate passport as proof so that you will not overstay your visit.
DIFFERENT NAMES ON EACH PASSPORT
Due to translation, or having your name spelt in a native language, some countries may issue a passport with your name spelt differently. If such a scenario arises, contact the passport authorities and enquire about the possibility of having a translated version on the opposite page. When booking or filling any travel-related forms, fill in your name as it is spelt in the passport you used to make the booking.
IMMIGRATION CHECK
Travel with a passport that provides the most hassle-free experience. Less red tape and fewer lines come with a passport that allows visa free travel. Always remember to stick to using the same passport chosen for arrival and departure. Carry a two-passport holder to avoid misplacing one of them, and make sure you apply for travel insurance on your trips.
