VANCOUVER, British Columbia —As global tensions rise and anti-American sentiment spreads across conflict regions, the once-untouchable status of the American passport is being reevaluated.
Geopolitical analysts, travel security firms, and international consultants are asking a growing question: Is travelling the world as an American citizen still safe?
For decades, the U.S. passport granted its holders near-universal access and protection. But in 2025, amid growing backlash against U.S. foreign policy, increased surveillance of American citizens abroad, and a rapidly shifting security landscape, that certainty is fading.
Amicus International Consulting, a leader in second citizenship and legal identity transformation services, is seeing a dramatic increase in American clients seeking dual nationality, not for convenience, but for safety.
“The world has changed,” said a senior advisor at Amicus. “What was once seen as a badge of freedom can now attract suspicion, surveillance, or worse. Americans are no longer travelling unnoticed. A second passport provides an alternative—a form of security that crosses borders.”
A Travel Landscape Shaped by Politics, Not Just Visas
While American citizens still enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 countries, political backlash and regional tensions have begun eroding U.S. travellers’ soft power.
According to a 2025 report by the International Travel Risk Index (ITRI), there has been a 40% increase in incidents involving American citizens abroad, including detentions, surveillance, harassment, and denial of entry.
Key trends include:
- Strained diplomatic ties with Russia, Iran, and China lead to tighter visa scrutiny and surveillance.
- Unrest in regions like the Middle East and parts of Africa, where American affiliations can pose security risks.
- Sanctions and retaliatory policies that target U.S. passport holders, including account freezes and travel blacklists.
- Anti-American propaganda in digital spaces is fueling real-world violence and reputational harm.
Case Study: American Aid Worker Detained in North Africa
Lindsey J., a 29-year-old humanitarian from Oregon, was arrested in Tunisia in 2024 while assisting a women’s rights NGO. Despite no formal charges, she was interrogated for 36 hours and held without legal representation. Officials cited “foreign interference” concerns due to her American passport.
After her release, Lindsey partnered with Amicus International Consulting and obtained Dominican citizenship, allowing her to continue her humanitarian work in neighbouring countries without drawing attention.
“My work wasn’t the problem—it was my nationality,” she said. “Now I travel with less risk and greater respect.”
The Rise of the “Reverse Visa Check”
In many countries, being American triggers deeper background checks, flagging by immigration officials, and automatic routing to secondary screening. This process, informally referred to as the “Reverse Visa Check,” is used by countries wary of U.S. political motives, cyber operations, or media narratives.
In response, Americans are turning to neutral jurisdictions for second passports—not to renounce their homeland, but to retain their freedom to move.
Second Passports as a Safety Strategy
Amicus International reports a 52% increase in American applications for second citizenship since Q4 2023, with the following reasons cited:
- Fear of detainment or surveillance abroad
- Greater ease of banking and business in neutral jurisdictions
- Desire for visa-free travel to countries close to U.S. nationals
- Reduced risk of political profiling or retaliation
Popular programs include:
- Grenada – Access to China and strong diplomatic neutrality
- St. Kitts & Nevis – Fast-track processing and wide visa-free access
- Turkey – Strategic location between East and West
- Portugal – EU residency rights and future citizenship
- Vanuatu – Fast issuance and no global tax reporting obligations
Case Study: Retired Diplomat Chooses Grenada
Charles M., a retired U.S. diplomat and frequent traveller, shared his concerns with Amicus after being flagged in three countries in 2024, including Turkey and the UAE.
“Even in retirement, I was being watched. My American identity created suspicion, not privilege,” he said. “Acquiring Grenadian citizenship was about restoring balance.”
Now, Charles travels under a Grenadian passport for business and research, keeping his U.S. passport only for legal residency.
Is the U.S. Passport Losing Its Power?
While still ranked among the world’s most powerful travel documents, recent trends show diminishing advantages in real-world applications. Passport privilege is increasingly influenced by political neutrality and perceived foreign policy alignment, not just visa treaties.
Countries like New Zealand, Switzerland, and Ireland are viewed as neutral. At the same time, American, British, and Israeli passport holders often receive greater scrutiny or longer visa processing times in politically sensitive regions.
What Lies Ahead?
Analysts predict several shifts in the global travel landscape over the next decade:
- Increased biometric tracking and AI-driven profiling at borders
- Travel-based sanctions targeting individuals tied to political regimes or ideologies
- Digital passports and programmable visas controlled by centralized systems
- National reputation scores, potentially affecting border decisions
In this environment, having a second citizenship offers not just options but also a firewall against unpredictable geopolitical fallout.
Case Study: Family Evades Conflict with Second Citizenship
The Herrera family, dual U.S.-Venezuelan citizens, fled political violence in Caracas in 2023. When applying for EU visas, their American passports flagged lengthy delays due to U.S.-Venezuela tensions.
Through Amicus International, the family secured St. Lucia citizenship within five months. Today, they reside in Lisbon, Portugal, with full EU rights and a neutral national identity.
“St. Lucia gave our kids a future we weren’t sure we could offer anymore,” said Maria Herrera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it still legal to get a second passport as an American?
Yes. The United States allows dual citizenship. Amicus only works with internationally recognized, legal citizenship and residency programs.
Do I need to renounce my U.S. citizenship?
No. Most second passport programs allow you to retain U.S. citizenship.
How long does it take?
Caribbean programs last 3–6 months. European residencies last 6–24 months, depending on the country.
Can a second passport protect me if detained abroad?
In many cases, yes. A second passport provides consular access to a neutral country and may reduce your profile as a political target.
About Amicus International Consulting
Amicus International Consulting provides second citizenship, legal identity change, and international privacy consulting to individuals seeking security, mobility, and discretion in an unpredictable world. With clients in over 60 countries, Amicus empowers global citizens with legal, compliant solutions to safeguard their futures.
📞 Contact Information
Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402
Email: info@amicusint.ca
Website: www.amicusint.ca
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