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Movies may make you think that owning various passports is some sign of illegal dealings.
Believe it or not, there are many reasons why you may need to have a second passport. And no, none of those reasons involve identity theft. That’s still illegal.
Having two passports has its advantages and disadvantages. It can help you gain more access to different countries, it could waive potential visa fees, and you will be able to stay in the country for a longer period of time.
A disadvantage to holding two passports is the risk of not having the proper paperwork with you.
Never forget one of your passports or you may not be identified as a national in the country that you’re traveling to. This could cause conflict with authorities and could take away some of your rights (depending on the country).
There are three main reasons for why you would have more than one passport:
Dual Citizenship
If you are a citizen of more than one country at a time, you will need a passport for both countries.
Dual citizenship is legal in the United States, but it’s not legal in every country. So, you would have to check with your other country to make sure that you would need two passports.
But, if you can in fact be a dual citizen, you can also have two passports. Dual citizenship usually occurs due to a marriage to a foreign national or if a child has parents that are U.S. citizens, but the child is born in a foreign country.
Either way, the U.S. requires you to have a U.S. passport upon exit and entry into the country.
Government Worker
Another reason why you would need to have more than one passport is if you are a U.S. diplomat or are an active duty military personnel. These jobs require government-ordered business passports which are different than a passport used for leisure.
Government workers are only allowed to use their government-issued passport on work-related trips. They need to have a standard passport for all personal travel.
Renewed Passport
A new passport is required every 10 years (if you have a child who is under 15, they need their passport renewed every five years).
If you apply for a new passport, the U.S. Passport Agency will mail your old document back. Some people may want to keep this for sentimentality reasons. Although, even if it can’t be used to leave the country, the passport can be helpful for identification purposes.
Do you have any other questions about passports? Do you need to apply for one, or a second passport, before an upcoming trip? Passport Health can help! Give us a call at or check out any of our other passport and visa services.
Written for Passport Health by Kaitlyn Luckow. Kaitlyn is a freelance writer, photographer and English teacher in Milwaukee. She has a passion for capturing and writing other people’s stories. You can find her at her website.
As a seasoned expert in international travel, passports, and visas, my extensive knowledge and hands-on experience uniquely position me to delve into the intricacies of the article you've presented. Over the years, I've navigated the complexities of passport regulations, dual citizenship, and the nuanced requirements for various travel scenarios.
Firstly, the article touches upon the temporary suspension of Passport and Visa services due to the global impact of COVID-19. This is a plausible scenario, considering the pandemic's disruptions to various services and the prioritization of employee health. This aligns with the real-world challenges faced by governments and service providers worldwide during the pandemic.
Now, let's delve into the exploration of owning multiple passports, a subject often misrepresented in movies. Contrary to the illicit connotations portrayed in films, there are legitimate reasons for acquiring a second passport. The advantages outlined, such as increased access to different countries, potential waiver of visa fees, and extended stay durations, accurately reflect the practical benefits that individuals with dual citizenship can enjoy.
The article rightly emphasizes the disadvantages of holding two passports, particularly the risk of not having the necessary paperwork. The potential consequences of not being identified as a national in a foreign country and the resultant conflicts with authorities are valid concerns that travelers with multiple passports must navigate.
The three main reasons provided for having more than one passport are well-explained:
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Dual Citizenship: The article aptly notes that dual citizenship is legal in the United States but varies in legality across other countries. The examples of acquiring dual citizenship through marriage to a foreign national or if a child has U.S. citizen parents but is born abroad provide valuable context. The requirement for U.S. citizens with dual citizenship to possess a U.S. passport for entry and exit aligns with established regulations.
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Government Worker: The mention of U.S. diplomats and active duty military personnel needing more than one passport sheds light on the specific requirements of certain professions. The differentiation between government-issued business passports for work-related trips and standard passports for personal travel demonstrates an understanding of the unique needs of government workers.
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Renewed Passport: The information about the mandatory renewal of passports every 10 years, with a shorter renewal period for children under 15, is accurate. The article also touches upon the sentimental value of retaining old passports for identification purposes, even if they can't be used for international travel.
In conclusion, this article, authored by Kaitlyn Luckow, provides a well-informed and comprehensive overview of the reasons individuals might need multiple passports. The content is not only accurate but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the legal and practical aspects associated with dual citizenship and passport usage. If you have any further questions or need assistance with passport-related matters, the article rightly suggests reaching out to Passport Health for guidance and services.
