Travelling as a new US citizen without a US passport
May 23, 2023 9:32 AM Subscribe
I am a recently naturalized US citizen who may need to travel outside of the US on extremely short notice due to family events. I have a certificate of naturalization and a passport for my home country but not yet a US passport. What is my best course of action?
* I have a passport for my home country and I’m pretty sure entering there will be no problem, but I am worried about getting back.
* I used to have a greencard but you give that up as part of the naturalization process
* I guess I could rock up at the US citizens desk with another countries passport and the certificate of naturalization and say “let me in” but this seems like a route to a bad conversation in a small room?
* I am likewise assuming trying to get in as a foreigner with the foreign passport would end badly.
* I have a passport for my home country and I’m pretty sure entering there will be no problem, but I am worried about getting back.
* I used to have a greencard but you give that up as part of the naturalization process
* I guess I could rock up at the US citizens desk with another countries passport and the certificate of naturalization and say “let me in” but this seems like a route to a bad conversation in a small room?
* I am likewise assuming trying to get in as a foreigner with the foreign passport would end badly.
If you can’t get an expedited US passport before you leave, you could get one at the US consulate before you return. This might extend your stay abroad and send you to an inconvenient location, but you’d be guaranteed entry.
posted by shock muppet at 9:42 AM on May 23, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by shock muppet at 9:42 AM on May 23, 2023 [2 favorites]
"I guess I could rock up at the US citizens desk with another countries passport and the certificate of naturalization and say “let me in” but this seems like a route to a bad conversation in a small room?"
This would only work if you are Canadian or Bermudian (assuming you are flying into the US). Everyone else generally needs a visa or ESTA which you won't quality for as a US citizen. Without them or a US passport you won't be allowed to board the plane.
posted by asharchist at 9:44 AM on May 23, 2023 [1 favorite]
This would only work if you are Canadian or Bermudian (assuming you are flying into the US). Everyone else generally needs a visa or ESTA which you won't quality for as a US citizen. Without them or a US passport you won't be allowed to board the plane.
posted by asharchist at 9:44 AM on May 23, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Yes, depending on how short your extremely short notice is, there are various options for getting a passport urgently. It's become more difficult than it used to be, but it's still possible - about a month ago, I got a passport in under a week via the Urgent Travel Service option (I was assisted by a passport expeditor company as this was a work thing, not sure if it made a difference in timing but it certainly made it more convenient). This option did not require an in-person appointment or contacting a congressmember. There are other options for things like life-or-death emergencies.
Definitely do not try to enter with your foreign passport, that's a more serious offense. Between your third and fourth bullet, I would recommend trying the third. However, it probably won't work because the airline won't let you board without a US visa or ESTA or whatever.
posted by mosst at 9:44 AM on May 23, 2023 [2 favorites]
Definitely do not try to enter with your foreign passport, that's a more serious offense. Between your third and fourth bullet, I would recommend trying the third. However, it probably won't work because the airline won't let you board without a US visa or ESTA or whatever.
posted by mosst at 9:44 AM on May 23, 2023 [2 favorites]
Definitely do not try to enter with your foreign passport, that's a more serious offense.
It's not an offense, as in, it's not a crime. And, now that you're a U.S. citizen, good news! They have to let you in eventually! However, you won't be allowed to board the plane home without appropriate documentation, and that will generally mean more than just the foreign passport. If somehow you ran that gauntlet, there's a good risk of spending an irritating amount of time chatting with the nice CBP people.
posted by praemunire at 9:49 AM on May 23, 2023 [3 favorites]
It's not an offense, as in, it's not a crime. And, now that you're a U.S. citizen, good news! They have to let you in eventually! However, you won't be allowed to board the plane home without appropriate documentation, and that will generally mean more than just the foreign passport. If somehow you ran that gauntlet, there's a good risk of spending an irritating amount of time chatting with the nice CBP people.
posted by praemunire at 9:49 AM on May 23, 2023 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Oh goodness. This is absolutely a case where you call your congressperson's office and get help getting an expedited passport. This is called "constituent services," and it's your best bet here.
posted by bluedaisy at 9:53 AM on May 23, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by bluedaisy at 9:53 AM on May 23, 2023 [2 favorites]
Your difficulty in reentering the U.S. might depend on your home country. If it's a country for which the U.S. does not require a visa, perhaps you wouldn't have an issue?
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 10:37 AM on May 23, 2023
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 10:37 AM on May 23, 2023
Response by poster: It's the UK, so there is a waiver program however that still requires filling out a form in flight, the conditions for which I probably would not meet.
posted by Artw at 10:47 AM on May 23, 2023
posted by Artw at 10:47 AM on May 23, 2023
Best answer: Hey whoa... Lotta strong advice here. Before cLling your congressional rep just look at the normal process. You can get a passport, often the same day with just these sorts of circumstances. Use the passport website, find the nearest passport office (not receiving center) and plan to get there. People try the urgent thing with mixed success (right now less than 2 weeks if you have travel bought) and if truly an emergency very possibly same or 72 hour service.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html
I hope all is well personally, congrats on your new citizenship.
posted by chasles at 10:47 AM on May 23, 2023 [9 favorites]
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html
I hope all is well personally, congrats on your new citizenship.
posted by chasles at 10:47 AM on May 23, 2023 [9 favorites]
If you're still in Seattle, I'd begin by checking into an urgent-expedited passport at the passport agency. These are often same-day, but this takes all day. I did this with the Buffalo office for biscotti's aunt's funeral not long before covid and it was [gorman] smooth and by the numbers [/gorman].
When I was doing this, we were going to be driving to Toronto and back same day, so I made a reservation at a Canadian hotel to have "proof" of travel to point to. I canceled the reservation after the appointment.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 10:57 AM on May 23, 2023 [3 favorites]
When I was doing this, we were going to be driving to Toronto and back same day, so I made a reservation at a Canadian hotel to have "proof" of travel to point to. I canceled the reservation after the appointment.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 10:57 AM on May 23, 2023 [3 favorites]
FYI the passport hotline on Friday had an announced hold time of "over two hours," and today is rejecting calls due to high call volume. I know because I've already called 15 times today for the past 4 hours and gotten that message.
If you are within thirteen days of travel and cannot get through by phone I would recommend contacting your congressperson via the constituent services section of their website, because at least today there is no way to get though without help.
posted by zippy at 11:34 AM on May 23, 2023 [3 favorites]
If you are within thirteen days of travel and cannot get through by phone I would recommend contacting your congressperson via the constituent services section of their website, because at least today there is no way to get though without help.
posted by zippy at 11:34 AM on May 23, 2023 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Unfortunately I do not know yet what my days of travel are going to look like. There’s a possibility it might be months but it may be days.
posted by Artw at 11:37 AM on May 23, 2023
posted by Artw at 11:37 AM on May 23, 2023
My plan would be:
1. Try to get an expedited passport in person at an agency. Some people will even fly to another city if they’re able to get an appointment there.
2. If that doesn’t work, call congressperson for assistant
3. If you have to leave before you get a US passport, go to the US consulate with your naturalization papers and ask for their assistance; US citizens end up in other countries without a passport all the time, though it’s usually because it was lost/stolen
4. If you end up at CPB trying to enter the US without a passport, show them your naturalization papers, explain what happened, and be prepared to be miserable. They can’t deny a US citizen entry, so you will eventually get it.
posted by maleficent at 11:39 AM on May 23, 2023 [1 favorite]
1. Try to get an expedited passport in person at an agency. Some people will even fly to another city if they’re able to get an appointment there.
2. If that doesn’t work, call congressperson for assistant
3. If you have to leave before you get a US passport, go to the US consulate with your naturalization papers and ask for their assistance; US citizens end up in other countries without a passport all the time, though it’s usually because it was lost/stolen
4. If you end up at CPB trying to enter the US without a passport, show them your naturalization papers, explain what happened, and be prepared to be miserable. They can’t deny a US citizen entry, so you will eventually get it.
posted by maleficent at 11:39 AM on May 23, 2023 [1 favorite]
On seeing your comment, definitely apply for an expedited passport now! You can still do all of the emergency options if you have an application pending, and maybe you’ll get lucky and get the passport before you need to travel.
posted by maleficent at 11:41 AM on May 23, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by maleficent at 11:41 AM on May 23, 2023 [4 favorites]
You could book a fully refundable ticket for your anticipated travel of a few days from now and apply via the urgent application option.
posted by zippy at 11:46 AM on May 23, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by zippy at 11:46 AM on May 23, 2023 [2 favorites]
You don't need an ESTA if you're a (foreign) permanent resident, which is the loophole OP would have used before. But that isn't going to fly, pun intended. Even if you have your PR card all it would take is for the airline to check its validity and you'd not get on the plane.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/lost-stolen-passport-abroad.html says that the embassy has procedures for citizens stuck without a passport abroad if you do absolutely have to leave before a passport is issued - and that procedure is 'get a new passport', even for the extenuating circumstances on that page. I imagine your circumstance would be about the same as far as the consulate is concerned. You should be able to get out of the country with your foreign passport, as others have said.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 11:51 AM on May 23, 2023
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/lost-stolen-passport-abroad.html says that the embassy has procedures for citizens stuck without a passport abroad if you do absolutely have to leave before a passport is issued - and that procedure is 'get a new passport', even for the extenuating circumstances on that page. I imagine your circumstance would be about the same as far as the consulate is concerned. You should be able to get out of the country with your foreign passport, as others have said.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 11:51 AM on May 23, 2023
(It's not a big deal to call your congressperson and ask for help with this. It's their job. And it can greatly facilitate the process.)
posted by bluedaisy at 12:10 PM on May 23, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by bluedaisy at 12:10 PM on May 23, 2023 [3 favorites]
Personal last minute experience, the official office wants an appointment, once in the worker doobies can process one quickly and retook my picture as I'd messed up.
The appointment line is crazy, but doable. I hung on the line for a couple hours, and once answered were very helpful withing the constraints of the computer system they had to use. Then called again and answered on the first ring... Perhaps call 5 minutes before the call in hours end if that works. Maddening but very doable.
They do need some kind of print out of an immanent ticket. (but I don't think they check too closely ;-)
posted by sammyo at 12:17 PM on May 23, 2023
The appointment line is crazy, but doable. I hung on the line for a couple hours, and once answered were very helpful withing the constraints of the computer system they had to use. Then called again and answered on the first ring... Perhaps call 5 minutes before the call in hours end if that works. Maddening but very doable.
They do need some kind of print out of an immanent ticket. (but I don't think they check too closely ;-)
posted by sammyo at 12:17 PM on May 23, 2023
Definitely get a passport.
I'm a dual Canadian-American citizen (American born), have mostly travelled on my Canadian passport in the past. The US has completely shut that down (fair enough). I had to get an emergency passport last year and the embassy here was great but it was a bit hair-raising.
posted by warriorqueen at 12:26 PM on May 23, 2023
I'm a dual Canadian-American citizen (American born), have mostly travelled on my Canadian passport in the past. The US has completely shut that down (fair enough). I had to get an emergency passport last year and the embassy here was great but it was a bit hair-raising.
posted by warriorqueen at 12:26 PM on May 23, 2023
The best thing is to get a passport now, of course.
If you show up at a U.S. port of entry, you're entitled to get into the country even if you don't have a passport. The problem, as a few have mentioned, is getting on the plane. As a U.S. citizen, I don't think you will be eligible for an ESTA.
If you did get stuck abroad without a U.S. passport, I would consider flying to Canada. You can probably get an Electronic Travel Authorization to go to Canada, and then come in over the land border with your other passport and your certificate of naturalization.
Note that it is unlawful for a U.S. citizen to leave or enter the U.S. without a valid U.S. passport (8 USC § 1185(b)) or fitting into some other sets of exceptions (22 CFR § 53.2) that don't apply here. As far as I can tell, the worst practical consequence of violating this law anytime recently has just been a delay at the border.
posted by grouse at 12:30 PM on May 23, 2023
If you show up at a U.S. port of entry, you're entitled to get into the country even if you don't have a passport. The problem, as a few have mentioned, is getting on the plane. As a U.S. citizen, I don't think you will be eligible for an ESTA.
If you did get stuck abroad without a U.S. passport, I would consider flying to Canada. You can probably get an Electronic Travel Authorization to go to Canada, and then come in over the land border with your other passport and your certificate of naturalization.
Note that it is unlawful for a U.S. citizen to leave or enter the U.S. without a valid U.S. passport (8 USC § 1185(b)) or fitting into some other sets of exceptions (22 CFR § 53.2) that don't apply here. As far as I can tell, the worst practical consequence of violating this law anytime recently has just been a delay at the border.
posted by grouse at 12:30 PM on May 23, 2023
Without them or a US passport you won't be allowed to board the plane.
This is an extremely key piece of info. Contrary to what the many, many people all over the world who are currently screaming at gate agents while waving around printed pieces of paper from various government agencies want to believe, if you are flying, the only authority that matters as far as you getting on that plane or not is the gate agent in front of you.
My sister has since switched roles, but for a long time she handled "passengers in distress" type customer service complaints for a major cruise line, and every single day she dealt with people somewhere like Heathrow or JFK who were incredibly upset because some government website stated some rule about passports or visas, but American Airlines or whomever had their own (very public, very accessible) rules that were far more restrictive. The passenger would get like 100 emails/letters from the airline/cruise line that said "THESE ARE THE RULES!!! DO NOT LOOK AT ANY OTHER GODDAMN WEBSITES ABOUT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS!!!", but the passenger would find "one weird trick" on somewhere like Mexico's Department of Tourism's website that countered the 100 emails, and they call my sister as she reiterated the content of the "100 emails" and the passenger missed their non-refundable flight and the therefore their non-refundable cruise.
Having a passport that expired in less than 6 months was the usual culprit.
Anyway, so if you take a path that isn't just "having a brand new US Passport", make sure you airline confirms (in writing if possible) that they will put you on the plane.
posted by Back At It Again At Krispy Kreme at 12:39 PM on May 23, 2023
This is an extremely key piece of info. Contrary to what the many, many people all over the world who are currently screaming at gate agents while waving around printed pieces of paper from various government agencies want to believe, if you are flying, the only authority that matters as far as you getting on that plane or not is the gate agent in front of you.
My sister has since switched roles, but for a long time she handled "passengers in distress" type customer service complaints for a major cruise line, and every single day she dealt with people somewhere like Heathrow or JFK who were incredibly upset because some government website stated some rule about passports or visas, but American Airlines or whomever had their own (very public, very accessible) rules that were far more restrictive. The passenger would get like 100 emails/letters from the airline/cruise line that said "THESE ARE THE RULES!!! DO NOT LOOK AT ANY OTHER GODDAMN WEBSITES ABOUT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS!!!", but the passenger would find "one weird trick" on somewhere like Mexico's Department of Tourism's website that countered the 100 emails, and they call my sister as she reiterated the content of the "100 emails" and the passenger missed their non-refundable flight and the therefore their non-refundable cruise.
Having a passport that expired in less than 6 months was the usual culprit.
Anyway, so if you take a path that isn't just "having a brand new US Passport", make sure you airline confirms (in writing if possible) that they will put you on the plane.
posted by Back At It Again At Krispy Kreme at 12:39 PM on May 23, 2023
If you're not exactly sure on your dates of travel but you have a rough idea when you may need to travel, you can absolutely just book a refundable ticket for some plausible dates. Err on the early side. If you need to change those dates later...nobody will so much as bat an eye.
posted by mosst at 1:00 PM on May 23, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by mosst at 1:00 PM on May 23, 2023 [4 favorites]
Unfortunately I do not know yet what my days of travel are going to look like. There’s a possibility it might be months but it may be days
If you're still in Seattle, book a hotel in Vancouver for the 27th or thereabouts. Now you have travel plans! And proof of them!
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 2:27 PM on May 23, 2023 [3 favorites]
If you're still in Seattle, book a hotel in Vancouver for the 27th or thereabouts. Now you have travel plans! And proof of them!
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 2:27 PM on May 23, 2023 [3 favorites]
Relevant to getting through to the Passport Agency, I wrote an iOS shortcut to redial the passport no on the days when they're rejecting most calls. If anyone wants to try it out, message me and I'll send you a link for it. Requires wifi calling, but you can change that if you are shortcut savvy.
posted by zippy at 5:14 PM on May 23, 2023
posted by zippy at 5:14 PM on May 23, 2023
YOu can get a passport same day in Seattle if you have a ticket for flying out of the USA the next day. Just show up at 8:00 and say you have an appointment.
posted by tarvuz at 5:57 PM on May 23, 2023
posted by tarvuz at 5:57 PM on May 23, 2023
Show up before 8 to get a same-day passport.
Last Friday my sister had an appointment at the Seattle office. She got there at 8:15 and there were already a bunch of people there. The guy before her in the morning line got the last same-day passport. She had hers mailed, I think it arrived Tuesday. This weekend is also Memorial Day weekend which will slow things down. If you truly may need to travel within days, get an appointment but get there EARLY.
posted by foodmapper at 6:23 PM on May 23, 2023 [1 favorite]
Last Friday my sister had an appointment at the Seattle office. She got there at 8:15 and there were already a bunch of people there. The guy before her in the morning line got the last same-day passport. She had hers mailed, I think it arrived Tuesday. This weekend is also Memorial Day weekend which will slow things down. If you truly may need to travel within days, get an appointment but get there EARLY.
posted by foodmapper at 6:23 PM on May 23, 2023 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Am in line for an interview right now, thank you all for your assistance.
posted by Artw at 10:13 AM on May 26, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Artw at 10:13 AM on May 26, 2023 [2 favorites]
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