U.S. Dual Citizenship & ESTA Rules in 2026
Two passports? Planning a U.S. trip? Understand the passport rules for American dual citizens, who can use ESTA, and what the latest fee and travel restrictions mean for you.
Can you hold U.S. citizenship and another nationality? Can you visit the United States on a foreign passport using ESTA? And how much does ESTA now cost? Here is a practical guide, based on official government information, for international travelers and families.
Dual citizenship is still allowed in the United States. But U.S. citizens—including those with a second passport—must use a valid U.S. passport to enter and depart the country, subject to limited exceptions. They cannot use ESTA with another nationality's passport. This is a longstanding rule, not a newly enacted prohibition on dual citizenship.
1. Does the U.S. Allow Dual Citizenship in 2026?
Yes. The U.S. Department of State confirms that U.S. law does not generally require Americans to choose between U.S. citizenship and another nationality. Dual nationality can result from birth, parentage, or naturalization, depending on the laws of each country.
For instance, someone born abroad who becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen may retain their original citizenship if that country's law permits it. Other governments set their own rules, so do not assume every country permits dual citizenship.
Dual nationals may have obligations under both legal systems, including taxation or other national duties. Read the State Department's dual-nationality guidance.
2. Which Passport Must a U.S. Dual Citizen Use?
The U.S. passport. If you are a U.S. citizen, you must enter and depart the United States using your U.S. passport under U.S. law, except where an applicable exception exists. The requirement includes children and infants with U.S. citizenship.
A U.S.–British dual citizen, for example, may use a British passport to meet British entry rules, but must use the U.S. passport for U.S. entry and departure. A foreign passport is not an alternative to the U.S. passport on the American side of the journey.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminder published in June 2026 reinforces these existing requirements; it does not announce a ban on dual nationality.
3. Can U.S. Dual Citizens Use ESTA?
No. ESTA is for eligible foreign nationals traveling under the Visa Waiver Program. An American citizen—even one with a passport from an eligible country such as the United Kingdom or France—is not eligible to obtain ESTA with that passport. U.S. citizens are also ineligible for U.S. visitor visas.
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for renewal or emergency passport options before travel. Do not assume you can resolve the problem by applying for ESTA using your other passport.
4. What Is ESTA and Who Qualifies?
ESTA stands for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is the online authorization used by eligible travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries for qualifying tourism, business visits, or transit. A typical VWP visit is limited to 90 days or less.
ESTA is not a visa, work permit, or guarantee of admission. Border officers decide whether a traveler may enter the country. Travelers should apply early and use only the official site: esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
5. What Is the New ESTA Fee in 2026?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published an inflation adjustment for fiscal year 2027, which began October 1, 2026. The updated authorization fee is:
For an approved ESTA authorization, made up of:
- $17 travel-promotion fee
- $13 General Fund fee
- $10.62 processing fee
If denied: $10.62 processing charge. The previous FY 2026 approved-authorization fee was $40.27.
The amounts come from the Federal Register notice dated October 1, 2026. Always check the official ESTA checkout for the amount assessed at the time of application; older FAQ pages may show a previous fee.
6. What If You Hold Two Foreign Passports?
If neither nationality is U.S. citizenship, you may qualify for ESTA using a passport from a participating VWP country. However, dual nationality and travel-history exclusions can apply.
For example, citizens of a VWP country who are also nationals of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria generally cannot use the VWP. Travel to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, or to certain other designated countries on or after March 1, 2011, may also affect eligibility, with limited exceptions.
See CBP's VWP eligibility restrictions. An ESTA ineligibility finding does not, by itself, mean a traveler is barred from every visa option; other visa restrictions may separately apply.
7. Separate 2026 Visa and Entry Restrictions
Presidential Proclamation 10998 took effect on January 1, 2026 and established full or partial visa and entry suspensions affecting nationals of designated countries. Some exceptions include certain dual foreign nationals applying with passports of countries that are not subject to the relevant suspension.
These rules should not be confused with U.S. citizens' passport obligations: U.S. citizens are not foreign-national ESTA applicants. The applicability of restrictions depends on nationality, visa circumstances, effective dates, and exceptions. Review the State Department's current proclamation guidance before relying on a particular visa or travel plan.
8. Quick Passport & ESTA Reference
| Traveler | U.S. entry document / ESTA rule |
|---|---|
| U.S. citizen with only U.S. citizenship | Travel with U.S. passport; no ESTA |
| U.S. citizen also holding another citizenship | Travel with U.S. passport; no ESTA using other passport |
| U.S. citizen child born abroad | U.S. passport if the child is a U.S. citizen; no ESTA |
| Eligible foreign VWP citizen | Valid qualifying passport plus approved ESTA |
| U.S. lawful permanent resident | Green card and applicable travel documents; no ESTA for resident travel |
| Foreign dual national with VWP exclusion | May need U.S. visa; check separate entry restrictions |
9. Before You Travel: A Practical Checklist
- Confirm whether you or your child is a U.S. citizen.
- Check U.S. and foreign passport expiration dates.
- Use your U.S. passport when entering or departing the United States if you are a U.S. citizen.
- If you are a foreign visitor, check whether your nationality and travel history qualify for ESTA.
- Apply through the official ESTA website, not an unnecessary third-party service.
- Check current visa and entry restrictions before buying nonrefundable tickets.
- Confirm that your passport or visa photographs meet the relevant agency's specifications.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Is dual citizenship illegal in the U.S. in 2026?
No. U.S. law does not generally require Americans to surrender other nationalities. Foreign nationality laws can differ.
Can a U.S.–UK dual citizen visit the U.S. on ESTA?
No. A U.S. citizen must travel to and from the United States using a U.S. passport rather than apply for ESTA with a UK passport.
What if my U.S. passport expired overseas?
Contact a U.S. embassy or consulate about renewal or emergency passport services before traveling.
Does the U.S. passport rule also apply to children?
Yes. U.S. citizen children and infants are covered, even if they have a second nationality.
What is the ESTA fee for fiscal year 2027?
$40.62 for an approved travel authorization, based on the October 1, 2026 Federal Register fee adjustment; $10.62 if denied.
Does ESTA guarantee admission into the U.S.?
No. Approval allows an eligible traveler to seek entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Admission is determined at the border.
The Bottom Line
Having two passports can make international life easier—but it also means understanding two sets of nationality rules. For American dual nationals, the key point is straightforward: dual citizenship remains permitted, while U.S. passport requirements remain mandatory. For eligible foreign visitors, ESTA can simplify short trips, but its eligibility rules and fees should be checked before travel.
For reliable decisions, consult official U.S. sources—not viral claims about a new dual-citizenship ban.
- U.S. Department of State — Dual Nationality
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — U.S. Dual Citizen Travel Requirements (June 13, 2026)
- Federal Register — FY 2027 ESTA Fee Adjustment (October 1, 2026)
- CBP — Visa Waiver Program Eligibility Restrictions
- U.S. Department of State — 2026 Visa and Entry Suspension Guidance
- Official ESTA Application Website
Information only: This article is general travel information as of November 5, 2026, not legal advice. Rules and fees can change. San Diego Passport Photo is a private photography business, not a government agency, immigration law firm, passport issuer, or ESTA authorization provider. Always verify requirements with the appropriate agency.
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