If I have citizenship of a VWP country but an expired passport, can I use another passport to enter?

When planning a trip to the United States, it is essential that your documents comply with immigration requirements. This ensures you avoid unforeseen issues and fulfill all legal norms, preserving your right to enter the country.

One of the key points for travelers intending to use the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is to have a valid passport issued by the participating country. If you hold citizenship of a VWP country but your passport is expired, you will not be able to use this travel authorization.

Even if you have another passport on hand, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) must be linked to the passport used for the application and, in turn, must be valid throughout the entire trip. In other words, if the document proving your nationality under the VWP has expired, you will need to renew it or apply for a new passport before traveling.

In some cases, a person with dual citizenship might be tempted to use a valid passport of their other nationality. However, it is important to emphasize that for VWP benefits, the passport must be from the country participating in the program and that is listed in the ESTA application. Even if it indicates citizenship, using a passport not linked to the authorization may cause complications and even denial of entry.

Therefore, make sure all documents comply with the information submitted in the online application. It is always recommended to follow United States immigration laws and, in case of doubts, seek information from official sources or professionals specialized in the area. Be wary of offers or campaigns promising miraculous solutions, as it is essential to adhere to established guidelines to avoid any inconveniences during your trip.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.