Lately I've been looking at visas and discovered how inconvenient it is to have an American passport for some of the more interesting countries, in other words, the types of countries I like to travel to.
Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for the freedom that being American affords me, but having a European passport would be an advantage in these cases. Here are just three examples I've run into lately:
1) Obviously having a European passport is beneficial for entering the EU nations including the United Kingdom. When traveling with Daniele we always have to split up when going through immigration in Europe since I have an American passport and he has an Italian one. In every case this has ended up with Daniele waiting for me to either get through a much longer line or spend extra time being questioned by immigration while he flashes his passport and gets waived right through.
2) I'm planning a business trip to China for my first visit since 2008. Visas to China for Americans cost a flat $140 regardless of number of entry. That means single entry, double entry, multiple entry for 6 months and multiple entry for 12 months all cost the same for an American. For all other nationals the cost vary from $30 - $90 depending on number of entry.
3) Iran has reevaluated its travel regulations for tourist entering into the country. This has resulted in the availability of visa free (for a few countries) and visa on arrival (for the majority) for most countries excluding Britain, United States, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Daniele and I have been looking around at options for our belated honeymoon and I kind of like the idea of revisiting Egypt and tacking on Iran as well.
I know this works both ways and there are benefits that come with having an American passport over a European Union passport, but so far the only one I've seen is the cost of a visa for Egypt is half the cost ($15 for single entry) of a visa for EU nationals ($30 for single entry). You would think it would be a benefit entering into the United States, but since my port of entry is usually SFO, I've often seen the non-citizen line sorter than the citizen line.
Of course the obvious solution is to get dual citizenship, which is the goal for both Daniele and I. Though I feel like I am getting more benefits out of gaining Italian citizenship versus Daniele gaining American citizenship. As an American, Daniele gets the right to work in the United States and the right to vote. On the other hand, when we move to Europe any income we make will be taxed twice, once in the country where we earn money and once by the United States. Which means it makes the most sense to keep our source of income based in the United States even when living abroad.
We've been married a year now, and with only two more years before I can apply for Italian citizenship through marriage (spouses can apply for citizenship after 2 years if residing in Italy or in 3 years if living abroad, this time frame is cut in half if children are involved) I've been looking at the process. Though we still have two years to go, there are two things we can do now to assure a smoother process. Keep in mind these requirements are up-to-date as of the time of writing, check official sources for changes.
Things to do now:
1. Italian citizens living abroad must register with the A.I.R.E. department within the Italian consulate. Technically all Italian citizens living in the United States are required to register. (I had to do something similar while living in China, but didn't know about this requirement until I needed to extend my visa and almost got in trouble for not registering. Oops. )
2. Register our marriage in Italy to obtain ESTRATTO PER RIASSUNTO DELL’ATTO DI MATRIMONIO .
After getting the above two requirements done it's a matter of waiting for two more years to pass. Then another few months afterward before Daniele will be eligible for American citizenship. We're working on a few things now to get us ready for a future split between living in California and in a location of choice in Europe. Now if only Turkey would apply for and be granted membership in the EU within that time and we'll be set. ;)
Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for the freedom that being American affords me, but having a European passport would be an advantage in these cases. Here are just three examples I've run into lately:
1) Obviously having a European passport is beneficial for entering the EU nations including the United Kingdom. When traveling with Daniele we always have to split up when going through immigration in Europe since I have an American passport and he has an Italian one. In every case this has ended up with Daniele waiting for me to either get through a much longer line or spend extra time being questioned by immigration while he flashes his passport and gets waived right through.
2) I'm planning a business trip to China for my first visit since 2008. Visas to China for Americans cost a flat $140 regardless of number of entry. That means single entry, double entry, multiple entry for 6 months and multiple entry for 12 months all cost the same for an American. For all other nationals the cost vary from $30 - $90 depending on number of entry.
3) Iran has reevaluated its travel regulations for tourist entering into the country. This has resulted in the availability of visa free (for a few countries) and visa on arrival (for the majority) for most countries excluding Britain, United States, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Daniele and I have been looking around at options for our belated honeymoon and I kind of like the idea of revisiting Egypt and tacking on Iran as well.
I know this works both ways and there are benefits that come with having an American passport over a European Union passport, but so far the only one I've seen is the cost of a visa for Egypt is half the cost ($15 for single entry) of a visa for EU nationals ($30 for single entry). You would think it would be a benefit entering into the United States, but since my port of entry is usually SFO, I've often seen the non-citizen line sorter than the citizen line.
Of course the obvious solution is to get dual citizenship, which is the goal for both Daniele and I. Though I feel like I am getting more benefits out of gaining Italian citizenship versus Daniele gaining American citizenship. As an American, Daniele gets the right to work in the United States and the right to vote. On the other hand, when we move to Europe any income we make will be taxed twice, once in the country where we earn money and once by the United States. Which means it makes the most sense to keep our source of income based in the United States even when living abroad.
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We've been married a year now, and with only two more years before I can apply for Italian citizenship through marriage (spouses can apply for citizenship after 2 years if residing in Italy or in 3 years if living abroad, this time frame is cut in half if children are involved) I've been looking at the process. Though we still have two years to go, there are two things we can do now to assure a smoother process. Keep in mind these requirements are up-to-date as of the time of writing, check official sources for changes.
Things to do now:
1. Italian citizens living abroad must register with the A.I.R.E. department within the Italian consulate. Technically all Italian citizens living in the United States are required to register. (I had to do something similar while living in China, but didn't know about this requirement until I needed to extend my visa and almost got in trouble for not registering. Oops. )
2. Register our marriage in Italy to obtain ESTRATTO PER RIASSUNTO DELL’ATTO DI MATRIMONIO .
After getting the above two requirements done it's a matter of waiting for two more years to pass. Then another few months afterward before Daniele will be eligible for American citizenship. We're working on a few things now to get us ready for a future split between living in California and in a location of choice in Europe. Now if only Turkey would apply for and be granted membership in the EU within that time and we'll be set. ;)
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