Americans rush for passports as countries tighten | Travel News

A growing quantity of Americans are dreaming of looking for twin citizenship in 2026, however it could grow to be more difficult as some countries tighten their necessities. 

Approximately 123 countries allow twin citizenship for people who meet their particular eligibility necessities. A U.S. citizen can grow to be a national of two countries by delivery, descent, naturalization, marriage, or investment, relying on the nation’s necessities.

As many Americans grow more and more involved concerning the nation’s political division and different uncertainties, gaining twin citizenship has grow to be a well-liked option. In truth, many are ditching the standard American Dream and heading overseas to search out success and new passports, whether or not it’s by connecting with their roots or making a profession change.

According to a current Gallup ballot, for the second consecutive 12 months, about one in 5 Americans say they want to depart the U.S. and transfer completely to a different nation, with girls driving this trend.

The ballot discovered that 40% of girls aged 15 to 44 say they might transfer overseas completely if that they had the chance — and this want has quadrupled since 2014. Factors such as a decrease value of dwelling, political dissatisfaction, and high quality of life are driving Americans to need to transfer overseas, in line with a February 2025 Harris Poll.

While many Americans are excited about gaining twin citizenship, it will not be as simple as it sounds now that countries are looking for to change their necessities.

Which countries are tightening twin citizenship necessities? 

The Harris Poll highlighted that Canada is essentially the most fascinating nation for Americans to maneuver to, adopted by the UK, Australia, France, and Italy.

Italy tightened its citizenship by descent guidelines in 2025, and the nation proposed charging Italians dwelling overseas 2,000 euros ($2,350) a 12 months to entry the national health service. This is just like the 2024 coverage that prices overseas residents from exterior the European Union the identical annual price.

In October 2025, the Portuguese Parliament authorised a new law introducing stricter standards for looking for citizenship. The minimal legal residence requirement for naturalization has been prolonged from 5 to 10 years for most candidates. Similarly, Sweden proposed extending the residency requirement from 5 to eight years.

The Denmark authorities elevated their citizenship price by 50% final 12 months. France tightened its citizenship and residency guidelines by implementing obligatory language and civic assessments, efficient Jan. 1, 2026. This will make it more tough for sure foreigners to acquire nationality.

Overall, gaining twin citizenship in any nation comes with its upsides and drawbacks. The difficulties Americans face are with tightening legal residence necessities, delivery or descent eligibility, and even the investment price to get a “Golden Passport.”

Will the U.S. ban twin citizenship? 

Early final month, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) launched the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, which might require U.S. residents to forfeit their twin citizenship.

“Being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege—and if you want to be an American, it’s all or nothing,” Moreno stated in a assertion. “It’s time to end dual citizenship for good.”

However, there are constitutional issues with this invoice, and below present law, “A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to their U.S. citizenship.” President Donald Trump‘s own spouse and son, Barron, have twin citizenship between the U.S. and Slovenia.