If one of your nationalities is from a European country that requires ETIAS or from Ireland, you don't need ETIAS, but you must enter on that European passport. If both your nationalities are visa-exempt (say, American and Canadian), you'll need ETIAS on the passport you travel with.
Common cases
| Your situation | ETIAS? |
|---|---|
| American + Irish | No. Enter on your Irish passport. |
| American + Italian | No. Enter on your Italian passport. |
| British + German | No. Enter on your German passport. |
| American + Canadian | Yes, on whichever passport you travel with. |
| Indian (visa) + British (exempt) | On the UK passport: ETIAS. On the Indian one: a visa. |
What if my European passport has expired?
The European Commission says European citizens must use that passport. If it's expired or unusable, contact that country's consulate to get a new document before traveling. Without it, you may not be able to enter.
The official rule
If one of your nationalities is of a European country requiring ETIAS, or Ireland, you don't need ETIAS, but you must use that European passport to enter any of the 30 countries. If it has expired or can't be used, the EU tells you to contact that country's embassy or consulate to get a new document; otherwise you won't be able to travel.
Practical tips for dual nationals
- Book flights with the name exactly as on the passport you'll use at the border.
- Carry both passports if your home country requires you to leave and re-enter with its own passport (the US, for example, requires US citizens to use a US passport to leave and enter the US).
- At the Schengen border, show only the European passport: you use the EU/EEA lane, no EES registration and no 90-day limit.
- If you're still waiting for a European passport (citizenship recognised but no document yet), you travel as a non-European: with ETIAS once it starts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter on my US passport and get ETIAS even though I'm also Irish?
The rule is that European citizens use their European document and don't apply for ETIAS. Travel on your European passport.
What about the 90/180 rule?
As a European citizen there's no 90-day limit. Another reason to always enter on your European passport.
I have dual US and Italian citizenship. Do I need ETIAS?
No, as long as you enter Europe with your Italian passport. Use your US passport to leave and enter the US.
My European citizenship is being processed. Do I need ETIAS?
Until you have a valid European passport, you travel on your other passport, so yes, once ETIAS starts.
Keep reading
Sources
This guide is independent and for information only. Rules can change: before you travel, always double-check on the official ETIAS website and with the authorities of the country you're visiting.