Do You Need A Second Passport?
(April 2000)
If you are planning on traveling overseas for
business, pleasure, or study, the best way to ensure a relaxing,
carefree trip is to prevent problems before they happen. The more
you know about passports, visas, customs, immunizations, and other
travel basics, the less likely you are to encounter difficulties
during your travels.
Did you know some countries do not permit entry to
travelers whose passports have visas showing they have visited
certain other countries? A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed in
your passport by a foreign government that permits you to visit that
country for a specific purpose and duration. For example, many Arab
countries will not allow entry to people whose passports have a visa
stamp showing that they have visited Israel. In addition, some
African countries have refused to admit travelers with South African
visas or entry and exit stamps in their passports. The situation has
improved since the end of apartheid; however, some African countries
still will not permit travelers with passports showing certain South
African visas.
So, what do you do when you want to travel to these
countries and you have visas and stamps from any restricted
countries? There is a way, and it is completely legal, according to
the U.S. State
Department. You can obtain a second, restricted passport, which,
on the surface, looks like any other U.S. passport. However, there
is one big exception: it clearly states that it is limited for
travel to particular countries only. This restricted passport cannot
be substituted for a regular passport, and it cannot be used to
enter every country, only the ones that are specified on the
application. In addition, these passports are not issued for
countries that have no diplomatic relations with the U.S. You can
apply for one at your regional passport office, but be prepared to
document your legitimate need for travel to the country in question.
Keep in mind that if your entrance to a country
depends upon using the restricted passport, show only the
restricted passport whenever you are asked for your identifying
papers. Be careful not to show your regular passport or in any way
reveal that you are carrying two passports. Using two passports is
not permitted by most governments, so there could be serious
consequences.
To find out if you will need a restricted passport,
check the Visa Information Sheet available from any passport office.
This document will help you to determine if there are visa or
passport conflicts among the countries on your itinerary. Because
customs regulations change often, you should contact the consulate
or embassy of each country you plan to visit when preparing for your
trip.
Additional Resources:
U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs: http://travel.state.gov/index.html
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