Do I need an ESTA for returning from a trip to the US, if I have US-Italy Dual Citizenship?

Upvote:6

Simple rule for dual nationals:

Present the passport of each nationality to immigration officials of that same nationality - whether entering or leaving the country. For example, when you’re in the USA, show your USA passport to border officers; and when you’re in Italy, show your Italian passport.

This establishes to them that you’re one of their own citizens, therefore there are no restrictions on your immigration status.

When dealing with airline staff, present the passport of the country you’re travelling to.

This confirms to the airline that you have permission to enter your destination country.

Edit: And to nail down the point to answer the question: no. You’re a USA citizen. You don’t require an ESTA, because you’re one of their own citizens... as demonstrated by your USA passport, which you will present to USA border officers on entry.

For exit, it’s a moot point anyway.

Upvote:8

US citizens must declare their citizenship when entering the US; and they are never eligible for ESTA (nor would they ever need one).

So you must always use your US passport when you enter the US - and can use whichever one you want when leaving.

Source: see https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/application.html?execution=e1s1# :

[...] If you are a citizen of the U.S., and also of a VWP country, you should not be applying for ESTA. One of the requirements of being a naturalized U.S. citizen is that you apply for, and use, a U.S. passport for your travels. [...]

Upvote:13

No. ESTA is only for entry into the US. You do not need ESTA to leave the US.

Source: I am also an EU/US dual citizen, and I routinely use my EU passport to leave the US. I have never applied for ESTA.

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