Passport issue

You should look at Mexican consulates' websites for requirements for entry on visa-free travel, and see if Germany is a qualified country.

You might be able to get a new passport the same day if you go directly to your nearest passport office. You will probably need to show your airline ticket, old passport, other forms of legal ID and pay for the expedite service.

The valid German passport is certainly okay to use. However while using that passport entry requirements into Mexico and also upon return to the United States may vary. For example: will you need a visa or other documents to enter Mexico and will you need to show proof of vaccination upon return to the U.S?

Getting that U.S. passport renewed makes thing much simpler.

I am not American, but I have a few friends who are dual French-US nationals and I am pretty sure that you cannot enter the US on a German passport through the visa waiver program if you are also a US citizen. The visa waiver (ESTA) application form asks you if you are a citizen of another country, and if you pick "US", I am 99% sure your application would get denied.

I am not sure you will be able to re_enter the U.S. on a German passport. You might make it through fine, or authorities might notice it's the return leg of the trip (not an outbound) and ask if you have a visa

Check the US government website for current policy about getting a new passport at the last moment. The advice to “just show up” at the passport office is outdated.

Correct. It is outdated. Two weeks before a trip you call us office and hopefully you get an appointment to renew that day. Out if nervousness I cancelled the trip and you get a refund within 24 hours but I have the paperwork. You don’t think they’ll check with the airline do you ? I want rebook as soon as I get the passport. I read where the us has to allow a us gitizen in but I guess they might delay me with the German passport? Mexico allows German nationals in. You buy a tourist card here or there.

Personally, I would do an expedited renewal. You likely will be able to enter Mexico on your German passport, pending any requirements you need to fulfill (like the US has ESTA). Returning to the US has to be on your US passport, but you can return on an expired passport (they can't keep you out as a proven US citizen). They may scold you, but can not deny you entry. I will correct myself, after July of 2020, you do have to have a valid passport, meaning you would need to visit an Embassy in Mexico to renew it.

The other issue is your airline, you need to show them your valid passport to be able to board in the US, will they accept a German passport? Same in Mexico, will they hassle you at boarding for return.

What you said makes sense. I May get hassled. I hope the passport office just accepts my paperwork for the reservation I had. You don’t think they’ll check do you ? I don’t see why the airline wouldn’t take a German passport but I want to renew. I spoke with the dirline after waiting 5 hours to get through and she knew nothing about passport rules. She looked on google.

I read where the us has to allow a us gitizen in but I guess they might delay me with the German passport?

The whole point is that if you are traveling on a German passport, U.S. authorities have no way of knowing if you are a U.S. citizen

I’d have my expired passport to show that and my birth certificate.

As a dual citizen, I can confirm that you are required to enter the US with your American passport. Anything else is speculation.

I do check in to fly overseas with either passport. However, I am required to enter Europe with the European passport, and enter the US with the American.

Do what you can to get a new US passport. Assume all documentation will be examined with a fine toothed comb. I think I read upthread that you said you can delay this trip. If so, do it.

I’d have my expired passport to show that and my birth certificate

I just don't think you have all your ducks in order to make this trip - certainly an expired passport just won't cut it, anywhere - particularly since the southern border is already a massive headache for the US.

I just don't think you have all your ducks in order to make this trip

Ditto...this person is really asking for trouble when it is time for reentry to the US.

Get your papers in order and reschedule.

As Bets wrote, you have to enter the US with a US passport. If you try to enter with a German passport, they will see you have a U.S passport and start asking why you don't use it.

An expired passport won't cut it. You are required to have a valid passport to enter the U.S. even if it is a temporary passport issued by US consulate overseas.

Trying to use a German passport and having an expired US passport will raise red flags and a trip to secondary. Secondary are the rooms in the back where you questioned very seriously.

Even if they eventually let you in, it will be noted by US immigration and you will get extra questioning every time you enter the U.S.in the future. And doubtful you will ever get Global Entry or TSA precheck. If you have it you could lose it.

I am a dual citizen and adding to the chorus that you must enter the US with your unexpired US passport.

I am also a dual citizen and have US and UK passports. As others have said, you need to enter the US with a valid US passport. The only time I entered the US with a UK passport was when I also had a Green Card (Before my US naturalization). You will either have to expedite your US passport or postpone your trip.

Went thru last minute passport request in May. If you think you will renew in person, do not submit other requests. Not sure if you have done this before so here’s what I did…

Contact the US passport office to make an appointment at your nearest passport office - had no problem getting thru but was on hold. Unless it has changed, they will only do it in the phone as so many agencies were booking all the appts online. You can call for an appointment 2 weeks before your international flight and they will give you an appt no earlier than a week before your flight. I was able to them into an appt 8 days before my flight. I took earliest appt and arrived early as people line up. When I was leaving the place was a mess. Had to go back next business day to pick it up - 1st appt after lunch and no line. If you are traveling over 100 miles to the office, they said pick up is same day - morning appts can pick up in afternoon. Bring printed application completely filled out, paper copy of your international air itinerary (they keep it), passport pics, old passport and driver’s license or other ID. I ordered passport card so made sure someone was checking the mail daily. It came in about a week.

Yes I knew about this and was planning on calling Oct 11 which is 2 weeks before my flight. If I get the appointment would you say I am assured yo get the renewed passport?

Yes, if you can get an appointment and have the all the necessary info, you will get a passport. It took some time to get through but I did a couple of times - first for info only and then for the appt. I’ve done this 3 times due to last minute trips.

Can I get your advice ? I cancelled the trip because within 24 hours you get the money back but I still want to go that week. I plan to rebook it that day after getting the appointment. Should I give them the previous paperwork or the new paperwork ? Will they care that I made the appointment that day & do they call the airline. Do you think they call the airline? Which should I do? Probably the new paperwork Is ok correct?

I find that it is always the best choice to be honest. The fact that you keep wondering if you will be caught in an attempt to deceive should be all the answer you need.

Regarding the paperwork for the trip you should rebook if you’re planning to go. It’s essential to have proper documents that support you plans. If possible book refundable rates just in case you’re not able to obtain a renewed passport in time and need to cancel. Truthfulness and honesty are best and you will be required to attest to that.

I plan to rebook once I get the appointment.

brave

What do you mean brave? I think they ask for proof when you get to the appointment and I’ll have a new reservation. I understand u definitely get the passport. I don’t think they call the airline while you’re on the phone getting the appointment.

brave

That's one word for it...

Can I get your advice ? I cancelled the trip because within 24 hours you get the money back but I still want to go that week. I plan to rebook it that day after getting the appointment. Should I give them the previous paperwork or the new paperwork ? Will they care that I made the appointment that day & do they call the airline. Do you think they call the airline? Which should I do? Probably the new paperwork Is ok correct?

Contact the agency and tell them your situation as it exists. ( not what it was or what you plan to do) Find out what you have to do to get an expedited renewal and then proceed. Trying to fudge the facts is likely to be a bad idea in the long run.

I have no idea if they "call" the airline to verify your ticket; I would not be surprised if they have access to airline systems to do so.

Hopefully whomever you reach does not have this sign on their desk: A lack of planning on your part does not necessitate an emergency on mine.”

Part of the paperwork you have to show at your appointment is proof of your journey, If you actually have a reservation that is all you need. They don't care when you booked it as long as it is active at your appointment.

What if you had to go to Mexico for a funeral? Were you expected to book your flights before the person died?

Wait until you book your appointment before you rebook your trip. You may not get an appointment.

Thank you. That’s what I needed to know.