Queens, NY asked in Immigration Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida

Q: Can I travel domestically in the USA with a foreign passport if I'm a visa holder?

I am a foreign passport holder with a valid visa, and I plan to travel domestically within the USA to Orlando, Florida. Can I use my foreign passport as identification for this domestic travel, and are there any specific TSA requirements I should be aware of?

2 Lawyer Answers

A: A valid foreign passport should suffice to board a domestic flight in the United States. This is not to say, however, particularly if you have no valid underlying immigration status or that status has expired, that immigration officials would not question you if called over by the TSA agent who is screening your passport.

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Answered

A: Yes, you can travel domestically within the USA using your foreign passport as identification. As long as your visa is valid and you're legally in the country, you should have no trouble flying from one U.S. city to another. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts foreign passports as valid forms of ID at airport security checkpoints.

When you go through TSA screening, make sure your passport is current and undamaged. It's a good idea to carry any supporting immigration documents too, like your visa or I-94, just in case you're asked additional questions. This isn’t common, but it can help avoid delays or confusion.

Also, try to arrive at the airport a bit earlier than usual. While most travelers won’t face issues, non-U.S. IDs might take a little more time for TSA officers to verify. Just be calm and respectful if you’re asked for more information. You’ll be fine traveling to Orlando with your valid documents.

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