Dual nationality and passports

[migrant]

Hi All

My wife (Thai) received her US citizenship a little while ago (cue applause) and got her US passport.

Now we are off to Thailand in October and the question arises what passport to use when.

I've heard some thoughts elsewhere but am interested in what the learned members here think!!

Thanks!

[Curt]

Since you are traveling under a US passport, I would suggest you wife does also.

[KhaoNiaw]

She should show her Thai passport to Thai immigration when entering and leaving Thailand, US passport to immigration there when leaving and entering.

[Curt]

If it were just a matter of "showing" the passports, I would concur. But, there are stamps, entry/exit forms, and other documentation involved. I'm not sure I would be comfortable explaining the math to government officials.

[paul_au]

She could not receive a fine for overstaying her visa if she used a Thai passport.

[Curt]

But, if they choose to enforce the letter of the law, fines could be the least of her worries.

[Lime]

Hi all,

I suggest that she uses the US passport when departing and entering USA and uses Thai passport when entering and leaving Thailand. If the official asks how she left USA then show them the US passport. They just need to know how and where and what document she uses to leave another country for Thailand. She would feel free using Thai passport while she's in Thailand. I do this when I visit Thailand.

One time, I happened to use Australian passport to go to Thailand, oh my god it was weird and I slept with a calendar - lol.

Cheers,
Lime

[KhaoNiaw]

But, if they choose to enforce the letter of the law, fines could be the least of her worries.

There are no legal problems at all. There's nothing illegal about using the passport for each country when you enter and leave that country. Many Thais with dual nationality do it every day.

If she enters Thailand on her US passport, she will be subject to the immigration regulations regarding foreigners, like the length of stay, needing a visa if it's longer, making sure doesn't overstay etc. But entering on her Thai passport, there will be no immigration restrictions. She's just a Thai coming and going from Thailand.

The airline will need to see both passports at check-in so that they know she doesn't a visa for the US on the way back.

[Curt]

I will explain that to the ranking officials at Bangkok immigration office. They seem to be deluded there.

[Mattoz]

Lime and KhaoNiaw are correct. My wife regularly leaves Australia on her Australian passport and enters Thailand on her Thai passport. She's never had a problem.

However the thing to watch is if you go to a third country on the same trip. Particularly if that third country doesn't fully recognise dual nationality. Malaysia comes to mind. If you are travelling on two passports, it is very obvious to immigration when you don't have the correct exit stamps. So if you leave Thailand on your Thai passport and then want to use your Australian (or US) passport to enter the next country that you visit, you can end up with big problems.