These days, travel rules for Europe are rapidly changing. Correspondingly, many visa-exempt travelers will soon need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS. But for dual citizens, this system can get rather confusing.
Overall, they have one key question: Which passport should you use when visiting Europe?
Notably, it’s important to know the answer as ETIAS will directly link to their passport. Hence, using the wrong passport could trigger delays or even boarding denial. So it’s essential to understand the ETIAS rules so they can avoid future problems.
In this guide, we discuss how ETIAS applies to dual citizens and how to travel once the system is live.
What Is ETIAS?
Specifically, ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization for visitors entering many European countries for short stays. To clarify, it is not a visa. Hence it works similarly to systems used by the United States and other countries.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries must apply online before departure, as it screens for security and migration risks before arrival. According to the European Union, ETIAS applies to short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
EU and Schengen citizens do not need the ETIAS. In particular, the system targets travelers from countries that currently enter Europe without a visa.
Think of ETIAS as a travel clearance, not a permission to enter, as border officers still make the final decision.
So, for dual citizens, eligibility depends entirely on the passport used for travel.
ETIAS and Dual Citizens
Here is the rule every dual citizen must remember: ETIAS applies to the passport you use, not your citizenship status.
As such, if one of your passports belongs to an EU or Schengen country, then you do not need ETIAS when traveling with that passport. Moreover, because they already have the right to enter, EU citizens cannot apply for ETIAS.
In contrast, if you travel using a non-EU passport from a visa-exempt country, then ETIAS becomes necessary. Correspondingly, a person may hold EU citizenship but still need an ETIAS if they enter using a non-EU passport.
So, the system treats passports as separate identities, as each passport has its own travel permissions and requirements.
Remember: The passport you show at the border determines whether ETIAS applies.
Passport Dual Citizens Must Use
Generally, the answer is clear: Use your EU passport if you have one.
An EU passport allows freedom of movement within the Schengen Area, removing the need for ETIAS entirely. Moreover, it also speeds up entry procedures at many borders.
Overall, using an EU passport reduces administrative steps and avoids unnecessary applications.
Furthermore, consistency matters as well. Travelers should use the same passport for booking flights, applying for ETIAS, and entering Europe. Note that airlines verify travel authorization before boarding. So, mismatched documents can trigger boarding denials.
After approval, the ETIAS authorizations attach electronically to one passport number. Hence, switching passports breaks that link.
Switching passports during travel creates confusion for airlines and border systems, especially once the Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes active.
Scenarios for Dual Citizens
Generally, dual citizenship situations vary. The following examples show how ETIAS rules usually apply.
EU Passport and Visa-Free Passport
This is the most common case. Examples include Italian-Canadian or French-British dual citizens. Correspondingly, traveling with an EU passport means ETIAS is not required.
Meanwhile, traveling with a non-EU passport may require ETIAS, even though the traveler holds EU citizenship.
Two Non-EU Passports
Some travelers hold two non-EU nationalities. If both countries require ETIAS, authorization becomes necessary regardless of passport choice.
If only one nationality requires ETIAS, travelers can choose the passport with fewer requirements.
EU Citizen Traveling on a Non-EU Passport
This situation causes frequent confusion. An EU citizen entering with a non-EU passport may need an ETIAS. Hence, border systems recognize the passport presented, not hidden citizenship.
To avoid this issue entirely, travel with an EU passport.
Expired or Missing EU Passport
Some dual citizens hold EU citizenship but lack a valid EU passport. In this case, they may need an ETIAS temporarily. As such, renewing the EU passport usually resolves the problem.
The safest approach remains to always travel as an EU citizen if possible.
Mistakes Dual Citizens Should Avoid
Small errors can cause large travel disruptions. Hence, dual citizens should avoid several common mistakes.
Applying for ETIAS when not eligible wastes time and may cause application rejection. So, EU citizens cannot obtain an ETIAS authorization.
Meanwhile, applying with one passport but traveling with another creates problems at check-in. As such, airlines must confirm valid authorization before departure.
Also, booking flights under a different passport name or number can cause delays.
Another mistake involves assuming citizenship overrides passport rules. But it does not. So, border systems rely on the passport presented during entry.
Always remember that the ETIAS follows the passport and not the traveler.
Why ETIAS Matters More
Once live, the ETIAS will work alongside Europe’s Entry/Exit System. The Entry/Exit System digitally records border crossings and passport data, increasing automation and reducing manual checks.
As a result, consistency becomes more important than ever. Furthermore, automated systems rely on matching data across bookings, applications, and border records.
Hence, dual citizens who switch passports risk mismatched records or additional questioning. Also, planning ahead keeps travel smooth and predictable.
Conclusion
ETIAS rules for dual citizens are simpler than they seem. To clarify, the system focuses on passports, not personal citizenship history.
As such, use your EU passport if you have one. Also, only apply for ETIAS when traveling with a passport that requires it.
Smart travelers choose clarity over convenience. So, the right passport choice makes European travel faster, smoother, and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold an ETIAS on two passports?
Yes, but each passport requires a separate application and authorization.
What if my EU passport expires before travel?
You may need an ETIAS if traveling with a non-EU passport. Renewing the EU passport is usually the better option.
Who will be exempt from ETIAS?
While many travelers must apply for ETIAS, some don’t need it at all. Overall, below are the key exemptions.
- Citizens of European countries requiring ETIAS
If you hold a passport from one of the following countries, then you are completely exempt from ETIAS. Also, no additional authorization is necessary.
- Austria,
- Belgium,
- Bulgaria,
- Croatia,
- Cyprus,
- Czech Republic,
- Denmark,
- Estonia,
- Finland,
- France,
- Germany,
- Greece,
- Hungary,
- Iceland,
- Italy,
- Latvia,
- Liechtenstein,
- Lithuania,
- Luxembourg,
- Malta,
- Netherlands,
- Norway,
- Poland,
- Portugal,
- Romania,
- Slovakia,
- Slovenia,
- Spain,
- Sweden,
- Switzerland
Key Takeaway: If you’re an EU or Schengen citizen, you only need your passport or national ID to enter any Schengen country.
- Nationals of visa-required countries for European countries requiring ETIAS
Generally, passport holders of the following countries don’t need an ETIAS authorization and must apply for a visa instead:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Armenia
- Angola
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Burkina Faso
- Bahrain
- Burundi
- Benin
- Bolivia
- Bhutan
- Botswana
- Belarus
- Belize
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Cambodia
- Comoros
- Central African Republic
- Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cameroon
- Chad
- China
- Cuba
- Cape Verde
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Ghana
- The Gambia
- Guinea
- Equatorial Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Indonesia
- India
- Iraq
- Iran
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kyrgyzstan
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Lebanon
- North Korea
- Liberia
- Lesotho
- Libya
- Morocco
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Myanmar/Burma
- Mongolia
- Mauritania
- Maldives
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Nepal
- Oman
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Pakistan
- Qatar
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Sierra Leone
- Senegal
- Somalia
- Suriname
- South Sudan
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- South Africa
- Syria
- Togo
- Thailand
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- UK nationals who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement
Generally, UK nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement don’t need an ETIAS. Specifically, they have permission to live on the territory of their host EU country. In addition, they can also travel to other European countries requiring ETIAS provided that they present supporting documents.
- Nationals of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, the Vatican City, or Ireland
- Refugees, stateless persons, or persons without nationality
Such persons living in any of the European countries requiring ETIAS don’t need the travel authorization. Additionally, they must have a travel document issued by that host country.
- Residents of any European countries requiring ETIAS
- Holders of Valid Schengen Visas
Meanwhile, travelers who already have a valid Schengen visa do not need ETIAS authorization. Because the Schengen visa already allows entry for short-term stays, then the ETIAS doesn’t apply to these travelers.
If your Schengen visa expires, then you must either renew it or check if you qualify for the authorization.
- Holders of a national long-stay visa
- Holders of a local border traffic permit
- Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
Similarly, some diplomatic, service, or official passport holders are exempt from ETIAS. Correspondingly, this exemption applies to government officials, United Nations personnel, and diplomats on official duty.
Exemptions depend on bilateral agreements between the EU and specific countries. As such, travelers should confirm their status with their embassy before departure.
Key Takeaway: If you travel on official duty, check whether your passport qualifies for an exemption.
- Members of the armed forces traveling on NATO or Partnership for Peace business
They must have an identification and an individual or collective movement order. This is provided by the Agreement between parties to the North Atlantic Treaty on the Status of their Forces.
- Holders of a travel document issued by intergovernmental international organizations
These organizations must be as provided for in Part 3 of the European Parliament and of the Council’s Decision No. 1105/2011/EU.
- Intra-corporate transferees, students, or researchers exercising their right to mobility
This must be in accordance with Directive 2014/66/EU or Directive (EU) 2016/801.
- Crew members
This applies to the following:
- Civilian air or sea crew members on duty.
- Civilian sea crew members going ashore holding a seafarer’s identity document.
- Crew or members of an emergency or rescue mission in case of disasters or accidents.
Will I receive a physical document after approval?
No. The travel authorization is electronically linked to your passport. However, printing the confirmation email is a good idea as a backup.
What if authorities deny my ETIAS?
If authorities deny your ETIAS, then you’ll receive an explanation and instructions. Correspondingly, you can appeal or apply again with corrected information.
Do I need an ETIAS for connecting flights through Europe?
Yes, if your connection involves entering any of the countries requiring the travel authorization, even briefly.
Can I apply for ETIAS at the airport?
To clarify, no. Specifically, you must apply online before your trip.
Photo by CardMapr.nl on Unsplash
