Can I travel abroad with my British passport while waiting for my US passport to be issued?

by Mostafa
(W.Bloomfield, MI, USA)

Question: I have applied for US passport recently and I am aware that there is a 4-6 weeks of processing time for a new US passport. With my passport application I have also included the original copy of my citizenship certificate.

The only travel document that I have is my British passport. If I need to travel before I receive my US passport, can I use my British passport to leave US and re-enter without having any difficulties, especially that I do not have the original copy of my US citizenship.

Answer: U.S. citizens are required to present a valid passport when exiting and re-entering the United States. This also applies to those who have dual citizenship.

If you must travel before your American passport arrives, then you will be required to visit the Detroit Passport Agency in order to expedite the process. Note, this will only be possible if the application and supporting documents you sent have been entered into the system and can be located. This can take up to three weeks from the time you send them.