Persons who have or may obtain dual nationality status should visit the State Department’s travel website for dual nationals which covers the topics below:
- Entry and Exit Requirements
- Exit Bans
- Limited Assistance Abroad
- Notification and Access to Detained Dual Nationals
- Military Service
- Double Taxation
U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkiye are subject to Turkish laws
Turkish-U.S. dual nationals may also be subject to additional laws that impose special obligations on Turkish citizens. Before traveling to Turkiye, Turkish-U.S. dual nationals and U.S. citizens of Turkish origin or ancestry are strongly advised to check with the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate for special laws that may apply.
The laws of Turkiye provide for acquisition of Turkish citizenship based on one’s descent–by birth to a Turkish citizen parent or parents in Turkiye and also by birth abroad to a Turkish citizen parent or parents — regardless of the other nationalities a person might acquire at birth. Children born in Turkiye of U.S. citizen parents do not have a claim to Turkish citizenship unless one of the parents is a Turkish citizen. The automatic acquisition or retention of a foreign nationality does not affect Turkish citizenship nor does the automatic acquisition of Turkish nationality affect U.S. citizenship. Turkish laws do not contain any provisions requiring citizens who are born with dual nationality to choose one nationality or the other when they become adults.
When a child acquires Turkish citizenship, the parents are expected to register the birth with the Nufus Mudurlugu (Vital Statistics Office) having jurisdiction over the place where the birth occurred. Children born abroad to Turkish parents should be registered with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction over the place of birth. The Turkish Consulate forwards such registrations to appropriate “nufus” office through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Those neglecting to register abroad may encounter difficulties making the appropriate registration when they return to Turkiye.
Turkish-American dual nationals are required to use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the U.S. Likewise, Turkish officials expect you to enter and leave Turkiye on a Turkish passport. Use of both passports does not endanger either citizenship.