Travel Tips: Malaysians' Dual Passport Strategies

Travelling with two passports can be a tricky business, especially if you are a dual citizen. It is important to note that Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship and will cancel the citizenship of Malaysians found to hold another passport. However, this rule does not apply to non-Malaysians, who can enter the country with passports from two different countries without any issues.

If you are travelling with two passports, it is generally recommended to:

- Show the airline the passport of the country you are going to

- Show immigration the passport for the country you are leaving

- Use the same passport during check-in and boarding that you plan to use at your destination

Some countries have different visa requirements for other nationalities, so holding two passports may allow you to enter a country without needing a visa or having to apply for one in advance. Additionally, if your country of origin imposes travel restrictions on its citizens, a second passport can help you bypass them and travel more freely.

However, there are also some limitations to travelling with two passports. Obtaining and renewing a second passport can be costly, and travelling with two passports may attract more scrutiny from border officials and customs officers, resulting in longer wait times and more questioning.

Dual citizenship: what to do if Malaysia doesn't allow it

Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship. Under Article 24 of the Termination of Citizenship in the Constitution of Malaysia, the country does not recognise dual nationality. If you are found to have dual citizenship, the worst-case scenario is that the Malaysian government will force you to give up one of your citizenships and deny your Malaysian passport if you refuse to do so.

However, there is no penalty for holding dual citizenship in Malaysia, and some people have reported holding dual citizenship for years without any issues. If you are a dual citizen, you must use an autogate and never interact with an immigration officer in Malaysia. You can use either passport to enter and exit Singapore, but make sure you use the same passport for entry and exit.

If you are a dual citizen and need to renew your Malaysian passport, do so only in Malaysia and not at a consulate or embassy in another country, as this may trigger a flag.

If you are a dual citizen and want to travel from another country to Malaysia, you may have to show your Malaysian passport at the check-in desk. There is a possibility that local immigration authorities can detect your second citizenship. To avoid this, travel across a land border first, where you won't have to show your Malaysian passport as it has visa-free access.

Travelling with two passports

If you have two passports but are not a dual citizen, the general advice is to use the same passport when entering and leaving a country. However, if you are running out of space for stamps in one passport, you can use the other.

When travelling with two passports, book your tickets and check in with the passport that has the necessary validity for your destination. If you need to show proof of a visa to the airline, show both passports. At the gate, show either passport.

Dual citizenship and travelling

If you have dual citizenship and the countries involved accept dual citizenship, the basic formula for travelling is to show the airline the passport of the country you are going to, and show immigration the passport for the country you are in.

If your names are different in each passport but your countries accept dual citizenship, book your flight with the name on your current location's passport. At check-in, show both passports. At the gate, show the passport that matches the name on your ticket.

If one or both of your countries do not accept dual citizenship, book a flight via a third country where you don't need a visa. On check-in, show the passport of the country you are in. At exit immigration, show the same passport. Connect to your flight to your destination country. At arrival immigration, show your other passport.

Dual citizenship and countries that don't get along

If you have dual citizenship and your countries do not get along, it is recommended that you do not try to enter one country with the passport of the other. This could put you in danger of arrest or physical harm.

If you have dual citizenship of Israel and another country, you can use your non-Israeli passport to enter countries in the Arab world that do not accept an Israeli stamp in your passport.

Travelling to countries with strained political relations with your home country

If you are a Malaysian citizen, you should be aware that Malaysia does not tolerate dual citizenship and will cancel your Malaysian citizenship if you are found to hold another passport. However, if you are a non-Malaysian with dual citizenship, you can follow these guidelines for travelling to countries with strained political relations with your home country:

• Same name, dual citizenship accepted by both countries: Show the airline the passport of the country you are going to, and show immigration the passport for the country you are in.
• Different names, dual citizenship accepted: Book your flight with the name on your passport for the country you are currently in. At check-in, show both passports. At exit immigration, show your current country passport. At the gate, show the same passport so that your name matches your ticket. On arrival, show the passport of the country you are entering.
• Same name, dual citizenship not accepted: Book a flight to your destination via a third country where you do not need a visa and that has neutral relations with both countries. On check-in, show the passport of the country you are currently in. At exit immigration, show the same passport. Connect to your flight and at arrival, show the passport of the country you are entering. On the return journey, you will need to make a stop in a third country again, getting an entry and exit stamp in your 'other' passport to hide that you were in a country with strained relations.
• Different names, dual citizenship not accepted: Follow the same steps as above, but you will likely need to book your flights in your current legal name, and your connecting flights in your 'other' name.

In general, it is good practice to use only one passport during a trip, and to inform the airline staff if you will be using a different passport on your return journey. If you are a dual citizen of countries with strained relations, it is advisable to keep your passports separate to avoid accidentally showing the wrong one.

If you are travelling to a country that has strained relations with your home country, but not to the extent that you are in physical danger, you can still use the guidelines above to navigate the journey. However, if you are concerned about your safety, it is best to avoid travelling to such a country.

Travelling when your country imposes restrictions on its citizens

Travelling with multiple passports can be a complex affair, especially when your country of origin imposes restrictions on its citizens. Here are some key things to keep in mind and strategies to navigate these challenges:

Understanding Country-Specific Dynamics

It is crucial to understand the political dynamics between your country of origin and your intended destination. Some countries may impose travel bans or restrictions due to diplomatic tensions, reciprocity issues, national security concerns, or retaliation for sanctions. These factors can impact the ease of your travel and the visa requirements you may need to fulfil.

Managing Multiple Passports

If you are a dual citizen and hold passports from both countries, it is generally advisable to use the appropriate passport for each respective country. This means showing your passport from the country you are leaving when dealing with exit immigration and using the passport for the country you are entering when interacting with their immigration authorities. This approach helps to avoid confusion and potential issues.

Complying with Health and Safety Protocols

During a global health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, countries may impose travel restrictions to limit the spread of the virus. These restrictions can include mandatory quarantines, proof of negative COVID-19 tests, or even temporary bans on travellers from countries with high infection rates. It is essential to stay informed about the latest health protocols and comply with the requirements of your destination country.

Dealing with Conflicting Laws and Customs

When travelling between countries with significantly different legal standards and customs, be mindful that your actions or possession of certain items may inadvertently violate local laws. This could potentially lead to legal repercussions. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the laws and customs of your destination to avoid any unintended consequences.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Some countries may restrict tourist numbers to preserve their cultural heritage and traditions from the overwhelming influence of Western culture. These restrictions are often targeted at countries with large populations or high per-capita impacts, so be prepared for potential limitations on tourist visas or entry requirements.

Managing Overcrowding and Resource Strain

Popular destinations that experience overcrowding and strain on local resources may impose restrictions to manage or reduce tourist numbers. This could affect your travel plans, especially if your country of origin is known for mass tourism. Be mindful of such limitations and consider less crowded destinations or off-peak travel times.

Additional Tips:

• Always carry the necessary visas and ensure your passports are valid and up-to-date.
• When in doubt, consult with the relevant embassies or consulates of the countries you plan to visit.
• Stay informed about political and health developments that may impact your travel plans.
• Be respectful of local cultures and customs, and avoid behaviours that may be perceived as negative stereotypes of your country of origin.

By being aware of these dynamics and following the provided guidelines, you can increase your chances of a smooth travel experience, even when your country of origin imposes restrictions on its citizens.

Booking tickets and checking in with two passports

When booking a flight, you will need to provide your passport information. This is because, for countries where you need to pass through immigration before you depart, you should enter the details of the passport that you will be using in the country of departure. For example, if you are a Malaysian citizen, you will need to use your Malaysian passport when booking a flight out of Malaysia.

However, in countries where there is no immigration when exiting, such as the UK or the USA, it doesn't matter which passport you use to book your flight.

When checking in at the airport, you should present the same passport that you used to book your flight. It is also a good idea to bring both passports with you, as an airline may request to see proof of onward travel. For example, if you are travelling on a one-way flight, the airline may want to see a return flight to ensure that you are not planning on illegally overstaying your visa.

Using two passports to avoid visa requirements

Having two passports can be beneficial when travelling, especially when one passport has stricter visa requirements than the other.

Benefits of Two Passports

Some countries have different visa requirements for other nationalities, so holding two passports may allow you to enter a country without needing a visa or applying for one in advance. This is beneficial for frequent travellers and those looking to expand their travel possibilities.

Reduced Political Interference

Holding two passports can make travelling to countries with strained political relations with your home country easier. Obtaining visas for second citizenship is something to consider, as rejection can sometimes be purely political and unrelated to the individual.

Avoiding Travel Restrictions

If your country of origin imposes travel restrictions on its citizens, a second passport can help you avoid them and travel more freely.

Practical Examples

When booking a ticket online, it does not matter which passport you use. The airline only needs to check that you are who you say you are and that you have legal access to your destination.

When going through immigration, use the passport of the country you are in. Then, when arriving at your destination, use the passport that has visa-free access or is a citizen of that country.

Limitations

There are some limitations to travelling with two passports. Obtaining and renewing a second passport has a cost. Additionally, travelling with two passports may attract more scrutiny from border officials and customs officers, resulting in longer wait times and more questioning.

Example for a US Citizen

An existing US citizen with a European passport wants to travel to Europe from the US. Their US passport has visa-free travel to Europe. When going through US immigration, they should use their US passport. Then, when arriving in Europe, they should use their European passport.

Example for a South African Citizen

A South African citizen and their family have obtained a Golden Visa in Greece and are travelling to the UK. They will return to South Africa for two weeks before travelling to Greece for the summer.

When leaving South Africa, they must show their South African passport to the airline as this passport allows them visa-free access to the UK. As they go through South African immigration, they need to use their South African passport. When arriving in the UK, they should use their Antiguan passport, as this has visa-free access.

To summarise, when travelling with two passports, it is best to leave and arrive in your home country using your home country passport. When arriving in countries where one of your passports has visa-free access, you must show this passport.

Frequently asked questions