Originally Posted by
BohaCica1k
I find myself deeply concerned about the intricate web of travel protocols now in place for dual citizens of the EU and USA, especially considering the current ESTA, incoming ETIAS, and soon-to-be-required UK ETA.
A simple journey from the EU to the USA via London could become a juggling act of regulations. How can we navigate these requirements without tripping over bureaucratic red tape? On the way to USA you need to fly as a US citizen. On the way from USA you need to fly using US passport as well because thats the law. From what I understand it may possible to disregard this law and fly back using EU passport to satisfy the ETIAS condition. But now, we've got a wrench in the works with the British ETA, which has to be linked to the passport you're flying with. Does that mean I will need to apply for British ETA twice, once using US passport and second using EU passport?
This British system shall be mandatory for everyone who is not UK citizen. And it will be mandatory even for transit passengers it looks like, will it not be?
To all the fellow (US&EU duals) travelers on this thread, how do you foresee this system working? What's everyone else's take on this?
It's like we're handing over our life every time we cross a border. I am sick and tired of this personally. The world was turning without ESTA, and all ETAs. Is it just me, or does it feel like they're asking a lot? And are you as bugged by the privacy thing as I am?
Suppose someone is US/EU citizen and travels from US to UK to EU and vice-versa.
Here is my recommendation:
US to UK
1. Apply for UK ETA using US passport due to stronger ties between US and UK.
2. Airline check in using US passport
3. Enter UK by showing US passport at UK border force.
UK to EU (suppose you take the Eurostar to Paris)
1. UK exit check at St Pancras, show US passport
2. 100 feet away, Schengen entry check performed by the French Police aux Frontieres, show EU passport to avoid ETIAS.
3. Descend in Paris Gare de Nord without any further formalilites.
EU to UK (suppose you fly from CDG to LHR)
1. Check in with the airline using your US passport and the previously approved ETA attached to your US passport.
2. Schengen exit check at CDG, use EU passport
3. UK border force at LHR, use US passport
UK to US
1. US passport all the way.
Electronic travel authorizations are annoying, but they do improve security because they allow border officials in various countries to do a background check well before the traveler arrives in the country of destination. They also make it easier to keep track of entries and exits of foreigners. In the end, this results in shorter processing times at passport control in various countries, which is a plus.
In my view,
if we are going to have border controls, ETAs are the way to go.
However,
One might argue that border controls are unnecessary between friendly countries of similar culture and economic development. This, however, is a topic for debate in another thread, also on this forum.
If you are interested in discussing this topic further, please respond to a separate thread I am about to initiate on this forum.