ETIAS with dual nationality: which passport should I use to travel in Europe?
TheETIAS authorization is an electronic travel authorization which, from 2026 onwards, will have to be obtained by nationals of visa-exempt countries wishing to enter the Schengen area for a short stay. It is electronically linked to your passport, and not to your identity as such.
For people with two nationalities, the question immediately arises: which one should you declare, and which passport should you use to apply?
If one of your nationalities is that of a member of the European Union or the Schengen area, you don’t need an ETIAS. European citizens are exempt. In all other cases, the passport of the country eligible for ETIAS must be used for your application.
Which passport should you choose for your ETIAS application?
The ETIAS is closely linked to the travel document used at the time of application. The authorization will be registered in European systems in association with your passport number. You will need to present this same passport at every border crossing within the Schengen area.
In the case of dual nationality, three main situations may arise:
Situation A – One of your nationalities is European or Schengen
For example, you may be Franco-American or Italian-Canadian. In this case, your European nationality entitles you to free entry into the Schengen area. You don’t need a visa or an ETIAS. You travel with your European passport, which you present at border crossings.
Situation B – None of your nationalities is European or Schengen
For example, you may be Australian-American or Brazilian-Canadian. You need to check whether one of your two countries is eligible for ETIAS. If both your countries are eligible, you can choose one or the other – but you’ll have to travel with the same passport as the one used for the application.
Situation C – One of your nationalities requires a Schengen visa
If one of your passports is subject to visa and the other is ETIAS-eligible, apply with the ETIAS-eligible passport and travel with that document. It would be unnecessarily restrictive to use the Schengen visa passport.
Table of common scenarios
| Nationality 1 | Nationality 2 | ETIAS required? | Which passport should I use? |
|---|---|---|---|
| French (EU) | American | No | French passport |
| Italian (EU) | Canadian | No | Italian passport |
| American | Australian | Yes | Any (both countries are ETIAS-eligible) |
| Canadian | Brazilian | Yes | Any (both countries are ETIAS-eligible) |
| American | Algerian (visa required) | According to passport | US passport (ETIAS eligible) |
| Japanese | Indian (visa required) | Depending on passport | Japanese passport (ETIAS eligible) |
How to apply for ETIAS as a bi-national
The procedure for dual nationals is identical to that for single nationals. Here’s how to obtain your ETIAS:
1. Choose the right passport
Identify which of your two passports is eligible for ETIAS. This is the document you’ll use to complete the entire process and travel within Europe.
2. Complete the online form
Go to the official website and complete the online ETIAS form. You’ll need to fill in your personal information, passport details, and answer the security questions.
3. Declare your dual nationality
The ETIAS form includes a section dedicated to multiple nationalities. You will be asked if you hold any other nationalities. Answer honestly: omitting a nationality can lead to refusal or complications at the border.
4. Make your payment
Pay online by credit card. The ETIAS fee is set by the European Union and validates your application.
5. Wait for confirmation and travel
Once your ETIAS has been issued, it is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. See our ETIAS validity page for more details.
Special cases to be aware of
You are changing your valid ETIAS passport
The ETIAS is linked to the passport number with which you applied. If you obtain a new passport – whether the same one or your other nationality – your ETIAS will no longer be valid for this new document. You will need to apply again. Find out more about renewing your ETIAS in this situation.
Your name differs between the two passports
Some dual nationals have slightly different names in different countries (transliteration, hyphenation, order of first names, etc.). When you apply, please enter the information as it appears on the passport you are using. If your name has changed (marriage, adoption), you may need to modify your ETIAS authorization.
You often travel between your two countries
If you make frequent return trips, always keep the same passport from one trip to the next – the one on which your ETIAS is registered – to avoid confusion at border crossings. The ETIAS authorizes repeated stays of 90 days out of 180 throughout its period of validity.
Frequently asked questions about ETIAS and dual nationality
Can a binational have two ETIAS, one on each passport?
Technically, there’s nothing to prevent this, but it’s unnecessary and can lead to confusion at checkpoints. It’s better to choose a single passport and stick to it for all your travels in Europe.
Do I have to declare my dual nationality on the ETIAS form?
Yes, the form includes an explicit question about other nationalities. Failure to provide this information constitutes a false declaration and may result in refusal of your application, or even difficulties at the border.
What happens if I present myself with a different passport from my ETIAS?
Border officials will not be able to find your ETIAS in the system, as it is linked to the passport number used at the time of application. You could be refused entry to the Schengen area.
Does a child with dual nationality need an ETIAS?
The same rules apply to minors: if the child is of European nationality, he or she does not need an ETIAS. In all other cases, an application is required. See our page dedicated toETIAS for minors.
Does the ETIAS replace the Schengen visa for dual nationals?
No. The ETIAS is only for nationals already exempt from visa requirements. If one of your passports requires a Schengen visa, use your other ETIAS-eligible passport to travel freely. To find out more: ETIAS or Schengen visa.