How Many Passports Are You Allowed?

A passport is an essential document for any international traveler, regardless of your origin. But did you know you can possess multiple passports? Many countries allow dual citizenship, enabling individuals to hold passports from two or more nations. As a U.S. citizen, you can even obtain more than one U.S. passport. Here’s everything you need to know about having multiple passports.

What Are the Advantages of Holding Multiple Passports?

The benefits vary based on your personal circumstances and the countries in question. From a travel standpoint, it's all about accessibility. "Holding passports from various nations enhances travel flexibility and grants visa-free access to more destinations than just one passport would allow. Additionally, it opens up more residency choices, helping you find a place that suits your personal preferences," says Patricia Casaburi, managing director of the investment migration firm Global Citizen Solutions, to Dinogo.

For instance, possessing a European Union (EU) passport allows you to live and work in any of the member states. The same is true for citizens from countries within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

However, having multiple passports is not solely about travel or relocation. "Multiple citizenships act as a backup plan against unexpected political, economic, or social changes," explains Casaburi. "It provides an extra layer of security, allowing individuals to seek assistance and refuge in other nations if political unrest occurs in one country of citizenship."

Additionally, holding multiple passports may have financial and tax advantages that can benefit global investors.

How many passports are you allowed to hold?

This largely depends on your individual situation and is primarily governed by the regulations of each country. For example, in the United States, there is no cap on the number of citizenships you can hold — theoretically, you could possess passports from numerous nations. However, other countries, including China, Japan, Monaco, Ethiopia, the Bahamas, the United Arab Emirates, and Ukraine, do not permit dual citizenship. In some instances, dual citizenship is allowed only until a specific age, typically around 21, while in others, it is granted solely by birthright and not through other avenues such as investment. Additionally, dual citizenship can restrict your job opportunities. For instance, in Australia, dual citizens cannot serve as members of Parliament; similar restrictions exist in Israel, Kenya, Colombia, and the Philippines, among other countries.

Is it possible to have multiple U.S. passports?

Yes, you can possess up to two U.S. passports at the same time. According to the U.S. Department of State, a second passport may be issued to individuals who meet specific criteria. This includes those who frequently travel internationally and require multiple visas. If you need to send your passport away for a visa, such as when applying for a Chinese visa, not having your passport for several days can hinder your travel plans.

Another reason to apply for a second passport is if a "[a] foreign nation will refuse to issue a visa or allow you entry because your passport contains stamps from certain countries." This is particularly common with Israeli stamps, which may prevent entry into certain Middle Eastern nations. The second passport contains all the same information as the first one, except for the passport number, and it is valid for only four years instead of ten.

Which nations permit dual citizenship?

As mentioned earlier, many nations do not permit dual citizenship. About half of the countries globally allow dual citizenship with the U.S. in some form, but due to the diverse nature of citizenship laws, we recommend checking the government websites of each country to determine whether dual citizenship is allowed and, if so, what limitations may apply.

How to Obtain a Second Passport

If you're interested in acquiring a second U.S. passport, the procedure is similar to applying for your first; more information can be found at travel.state.gov.

However, if you're seeking a second passport through dual citizenship, the process is quite different. "Gaining multiple citizenships can be a complicated endeavor and varies based on the country and the individual," states Casaburi, who highlights several common routes to achieving dual citizenship.

Birthright Citizenship

"Nearly every country offers some form of birthright citizenship, either through birthplace or lineage," states Casaburi. The first method is referred to as jus soli, while the second is called jus sanguinis or jure sanguinis. "Being born in one nation while your parents hail from another can allow you to gain citizenship from both your birthplace and your parents' homeland," Casaburi explains.

Citizenship by Descent

"In addition to parents, some nations grant citizenship through other blood relatives, such as grandparents and even more distant ancestors," Casaburi notes. Countries like Italy and Ireland are known for allowing citizenship by descent.

Citizenship by Naturalization

"This pathway involves becoming a citizen by fulfilling certain residency requirements, passing language proficiency tests, and showing knowledge of the country's history, culture, and laws," explains Casaburi. "Some nations offer more accessible naturalization processes, with shorter residency requirements, while others may demand tax payments or limited time spent abroad."

Citizenship through Marriage

When a foreign national marries, either partner may become eligible for citizenship through naturalization. According to Casaburi, "marriage often reduces or eliminates certain naturalization requirements, including minimum residency and language criteria."

Investment and Economic Citizenship

"Numerous countries offer expedited citizenship pathways for individuals who make significant financial investments in the country. Typical options for citizenship by investment include purchasing real estate, making donations, establishing businesses, and contributing capital," Casaburi explains. She highlights that some Caribbean nations have investment programs starting at $100,000, while in Malta, the minimum investment is €690,000.

In summary, obtaining dual citizenship can take several months to years, but the effort may be worthwhile based on your personal circumstances.