STEP Alert
STEP Alert
Reminder for U.S. Citizens Abroad
U.S. law requires that U.S. citizens enter and depart the United States on a U.S. passport.
- This requirement applies to U.S. citizens who also hold another nationality, including children.
- 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.
- If you live abroad and plan to travel to the United States make sure you do so with a valid U.S. passport.
- If your U.S. passport is expired or expires soon, renew before your trip. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your date of entry.
Review our information on Dual Nationality.
Actions to take
- Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate to schedule a passport appointment if you need to apply for your first U.S. passport, or if your U.S. passport is expired or expires soon.
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