Here is a more detailed explanation of the law…
Under U.S. law (8 U.S.C. § 1185(b)), all U.S. citizens—regardless of whether they hold multiple nationalities—are required to use their U.S. passport when entering and leaving the United States.
Key Legal Points:
1. *The Passport Requirement*: The U.S. government mandates that American citizens use their U.S. passport for travel in and out of the country. This is to establish the traveler’s legal status as a U.S. citizen and avoid potential complications with immigration.
2. *Dual Citizenship Considerations*: A U.S. citizen who holds another nationality may use their foreign passport when entering or exiting the other country of their nationality, but they must always present their U.S. passport at U.S. ports of entry and departure.
3. *Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Enforcement*: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers routinely check for compliance with this rule. Attempting to enter the U.S. with a foreign passport can lead to delays, additional scrutiny, and in some cases, denial of entry until the U.S. passport is presented.
4. *Legal Consequences*: Failure to comply may result in fines or administrative action, though most enforcement involves requiring the traveler to prove their U.S. citizenship before being allowed entry.
*Common Misconceptions*:
• “I can enter with my foreign passport because it has a U.S. visa.” → Incorrect: If you are a U.S. citizen, you are not considered a visa holder, and your U.S. passport is required.
• “*I can leave the U.S. on a foreign passport.” → Incorrect*: Airlines and CBP require U.S. citizens to use their U.S. passport to board international flights departing from the U.S.
*Conclusion*:
If you hold multiple citizenships, you must use your U.S. passport when entering and exiting the United States. However, once outside the U.S., you are free to use your other passport(s) for travel.
NOTICE OF PREMIUM APPLICATION CENTER
Ghana visa and passport applicants are hereby informed that an additional
visa and passport application service center – Premium Application Center (PAC)
has been opened in Washington DC, located at 2 nd Floor of 1025 Vermont Ave N.W.
DC 20005.
The PAC shall receive Ghana visa applications, as well as capture biometric
details of Ghana passport applicants, and process same to the Embassy for issuing
at an additional fee of fifty-five dollars ($55.00) for their premium service to clients.
To use the services of the Premium Application Center for your visa or
passport application, select Washington DC -Premium Application Center.
The Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC however continues to provide its
normal services to the public. The PAC is therefore an option that is made available
to applicants at their own convenience.
Thank you.
Step 1 : Start you online application for visa in the Embassy of Ghana website https://ghanaembassydc.org/
Step 2 : Please select “Washington Premium Application Center” as processing office ( point no. 8) while you are filling the online application and pay the Embassy fee online
Step 3: You will be redirected to complete booking:
- Pay the service fees online
- Pay additional premium services fee ( if you selected any)
Incase there was an issue completing your booking go to our website www.Ghanapacus.com and choose Book an Appointment then complete booking.