When booking an international flight, those with dual or multiple citizenships often wonder which passport to use. The passport you choose can impact everything from visa requirements and customs procedures to airport experience and travel benefits. This comprehensive guide will explain the key factors to consider when deciding which passport to book travel under.
Visa requirements
One of the most important considerations is visa requirements. The passport you use to book your ticket must match the passport of the country you will use to enter your destination. For example, if you hold both U.S. and Italian passports but will enter Thailand using your Italian passport, you must book your flight with your Italian passport—even if departing from the U.S.
This ensures the airline can verify you have the proper visa for entry. If your ticket passport does not match your entry passport, you may be denied boarding or entry. Always check visa rules for your destination country before booking.
Visa-free entry
Some citizenships allow visa-free access to more countries than others. For example, U.S. passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to 184 destinations, while Italian passport holders can enter 186. If trying to maximize visa-free travel, book with the passport that provides more access.
Visa costs
Visa fees also vary by nationality. U.S. citizens must pay $160 for a tourist visa to Brazil, while Italian citizens pay only $44. If visa costs are a concern, research prices for the countries you plan to visit to determine the most budget-friendly passport.
Visa processing
Some visas are quicker and easier to obtain depending on your citizenship. A U.S. passport holder can obtain a Canadian visitor visa in just minutes through an online application, while an Italian passport holder must submit a paper application and wait several weeks. If timing is critical, go with the passport that allows faster visa processing.
Airport and customs experience
The passport you use can impact your experience once you arrive at your destination airport.
Immigration lines
Some nationalities get privilege treatment at immigration, with special passport-holder lines or kiosks. For example, at many European airports EU passport holders can use quick-access lanes while non-EU travelers wait in longer lines. Travel under the passport that gives you access to faster immigration processing whenever possible.
Trusted traveler programs
Participation in trusted traveler programs like Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control is based on your passport country. Only U.S. passport holders can enroll in Global Entry, which allows expedited clearance upon arriving back in the U.S. If you want to benefit from such programs, travel on the eligible passport.
Diplomatic pouches
At some airports, travelers from certain countries can use diplomatic customs channels rather than going through normal baggage claim. This perk is usually reserved for EU passport holders arriving in EU destinations. To skirt airport lines and queues, check if your passport qualifies you for diplomatic pouch privileges.
Loyalty programs and travel benefits
Booking with a certain passport can help you earn points and status faster and unlock other travel perks.
Frequent flyer programs
Airline loyalty programs are often tied to passport nationality. You may be eligible for points, special fares, or status benefits only when flying on a passport from a specific country. For maximum rewards, book with the “flag carrier” passport of your travel itinerary whenever possible.
| Route | Flag Carrier |
|---|---|
| U.S. to Japan | United Airlines (U.S. passport) |
| Italy to France | Alitalia (Italian passport) |
Travel credit cards
The best airline and hotel credit cards are also frequently tied to passport nationality. An Italian passport holder would earn more miles booking Alitalia flights with an Alitalia Visa card versus a Chase Sapphire card. Match your passport to cards designed for that country’s travelers to maximize rewards.
Retail and dining discounts
Some travel discounts are only available to passport holders from specific countries. For example, EU students and teachers can obtain discounted museum and attraction tickets by showing an EU passport as proof of eligibility. Save money by traveling under the passport that unlocks retail and dining deals.
Travel restrictions
Some passports come with travel restrictions that can impact your booking.
Travel bans
A handful of countries restrict or ban entry for passport holders from certain nations. For example, Pakistan bars entry to Israeli passport holders. If your multiple passports include restricted nationalities, you’ll need to book travel with an unrestricted passport.
Travel to country of other citizenship
Some countries require that citizens enter and exit using a passport from that country, even if they hold dual citizenship. For example, Iranian Americans must travel to Iran on an Iranian passport. Make sure you follow any regulations regarding which passport to use when visiting your other home countries.
Booking process and convenience
How you book your ticket can also influence your passport choice.
Passport name mismatch
If the name on your second passport is slightly different than your first, booking under the name that exactly matches your form of ID avoids complications. Middle names, maiden names, and spelling variances can all cause issues if the name on your ticket does not perfectly match your passport.
E-passports
Some countries still issue old-style passports without electronic chips. E-passports speed your passage through immigration kiosks and automated gates in many airports. When possible, book travel under an e-passport rather than an old-style paper passport.
Foreign character sets
Booking systems sometimes have trouble processing passports that use foreign alphabets, like Greek or Russian. Transliterating your name or booking over the phone rather than online can avoid errors for non-English passports.
Conclusion
When booking international flights with dual citizenship, there are many factors to weigh when choosing which passport to use. Visa rules, airport experience, loyalty benefits, travel restrictions, and booking convenience may all influence your decision. Doing ample research beforehand ensures you select the optimal passport for smooth travels from booking to arrival.
The most important rule is making sure the passport used to purchase your ticket matches the one you will present when entering your destination country. Beyond that, priorities like maximizing visa-free access, earning frequent flyer miles, or accessing fast-track immigration can help decide which of your passports is best suited for a particular trip. With a thoughtful passport strategy, dual citizens can make the most of their multi-national status when globe-trotting.