New Passport Rules for British Dual Nationals: What You Need to Know

Starting February 25, 2026, British citizens who also hold citizenship of another country will face new passport requirements when entering the UK. Under the UK's electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme, which began rolling out in October 2023, dual British nationals must present a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement at border control. This change affects approximately 1.2 million British citizens living abroad, particularly those from countries that do not require a visa to enter the UK, such as members of the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.

The Times of LondonThe IndependentThese are the UK dual citizen passport rules you need to know

The new rules stipulate that dual nationals cannot use their foreign passports to enter the UK after the enforcement date. Instead, they must either obtain a British passport, which costs £94.50 for adults and £61.50 for children under 16, or apply for a certificate of entitlement, which costs £589 and is linked to the passport used for travel. The ETA, which costs £16 and is valid for two years, is not available to dual British citizens, further complicating their travel plans.

The Times of LondonThe IndependentThese are the UK dual citizen passport rules you need to know

Without a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement, dual nationals may be denied boarding by airlines and shipping operators, as they will not have legal proof of their right to enter the UK. This change aims to streamline border control processes and reduce confusion regarding the status of individuals entering the UK. The Home Office has indicated that the ETA will help clarify the immigration status of travelers, particularly those who might otherwise overstay their visas.

The Times of London

Critics of the new regulations express concern over the potential impact on British citizens living abroad. Many dual nationals may find it challenging to obtain a British passport or certificate of entitlement, especially if they are currently residing in countries with lengthy processing times. Additionally, there are worries that the requirement could lead to confusion and complications for families traveling together, particularly if only some members hold British citizenship.

These are the UK dual citizen passport rules you need to know

The UK government has stated that the new measures are part of a broader effort to enhance border security and streamline immigration processes. They emphasize that the ETA will provide a more efficient and secure system for managing the millions of travelers entering the UK each year.

The Times of London

• “Dual nationals: prove you are British or you can’t come in” — Simon Calder, Travel Expert

The Independent

As the February 2026 deadline approaches, dual nationals are encouraged to prepare by applying for a British passport or certificate of entitlement well in advance of their travel dates. The government continues to update information regarding the ETA and its implications for travelers.

The Times of London