Blog · 2024-05-07

Crossing borders with dual citizenship in 2025

Holding a second citizenship brings a new set of rules for crossing borders. How do you get it right - so you don't slip up, forfeit your right to travel, or end up with a fine? Here's what you need to know.

Which passport should you show entering and leaving Russia?

Russian citizens must present their international (foreign-travel) passport. A handful of countries can also be entered on an internal Russian passport - Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

If a Russian citizen clears passport control entering or leaving Russia on their second passport (that of a foreign state), they must still carry their international Russian passport. Otherwise they face administrative liability under Article 18.1 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offences (a fine of 2,000 to 5,000 rubles). This rule, however, does not apply to people with dual citizenship.

Russian citizens are not required to declare a second citizenship at the Russian border. The authorities only need to be notified after entering the country.

When must you report a second citizenship to the authorities?

Russian citizens are obliged to notify the migration directorate of the Interior Ministry that they hold a second citizenship. The exception is people who live abroad on a permanent basis. If you were in Russia when you acquired the second citizenship, you must file the notice within 60 days; if you were abroad, within 60 days of entering Russia.

The notice can also be filed from abroad - at a consulate or through the Gosuslugi portal - but that is not mandatory. You report a second citizenship only once; you won't need to do it again on subsequent trips.

Can you leave the country on one passport and return on another?

You must present the same passport when leaving and re-entering. But at another country's border you may show your second document - not the one you departed on.

Which country's passport should you buy tickets under?

Tickets can be booked under either passport. If you buy a ticket under one passport but decide to clear the border at your destination on the other, you'll need to present both documents.

The golden rule for crossing borders with dual citizenship

People holding dual citizenship must present the same document both entering a country and leaving it.

One of the best citizenships by investment - Paraguay

Strategically located and open to the world, Paraguay is a land of opportunity. Its citizenship-by-investment program gives foreigners and their families a rare chance to obtain a passport in 6-12 months and enjoy all its advantages:

• visa-free travel to 146 countries, including the Schengen area, the United Kingdom and Singapore;
• eligibility for the U.S. E-2 visa;
• tax optimization (a 10% rate);
• the option to live in a country with a high standard of living and a pleasant climate.

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