Need advice

surebala · Post by **surebala** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 6:31 pm

Hi,

I have a complex query. I have got the approval letter for British citizenship and I have got the ceremony date scheduled for 14th March 2011. But I need to travel to India on the same night (14th night) for an emergency. Can I use my ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) visa on my Indian passport for my travel to India? I will apply for a British passport on my return back from India. Do you see any issues with this travel? Please let me know. Many thanks.

Regards,
surebala

Post by **John** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 7:27 pm

The practical answer is .... well the Indian Government will not know about your British Citizenship ... so are hardly likely to prevent your entry to India. And on your return to the UK, you will not be encounter a problem getting back in.

But the legal answer is, I think, don't you lose your Indian citizenship as soon as you become British?

Post by **geriatrix** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:45 pm

You may travel using your Indian passport.

But, as and when you surrender your Indian passport, you'll be asked to pay a penalty (for using it to travel after naturalising as a British citizen).

regards

surebala · Post by **surebala** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 10:51 pm

Thanks for your responses.

As my travel is of of emergency nature, if I postpone my ceremony date to a date after my return from India, then is it all completely legal?

Thanks.

Post by **John** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 7:46 am

As long as the Citizenship Ceremony takes place within 3 months of the issued of the "application accepted" letter, that is fine.

Post by **vinny** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:04 am

See also Travelling to India on Indian passport after getting British.

surebala · Post by **surebala** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 7:24 pm

Thank you so much for all your responses. It proved extremely helpful to me.

Regards,
surebala

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