Dual British nationals, including children, could be refused entry to the UK unless they possess a British passport under new regulations taking effect in a matter of days. From February 25, visitors to the UK will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Those lacking an ETA will be prevented from boarding their flight, ferry or train. British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from this requirement, but they will need to satisfy other conditions.
What do dual nationals need to do when ETA comes in?
In order to travel to the UK, dual nationals will now require a valid British passport. Alternatively, they can pay £589 for a certificate of entitlement to attach to their second nationality passport.
Dual nationals have previously been able to enter the UK using their non-British passport without cost.
What will happen if they travel without a British passport?
Dual nationals who attempt to enter the UK using only a foreign passport could encounter difficulties. British citizens have a statutory right of abode in the UK, but travellers might be subject to additional checks while their status is verified.
They could also be prevented from boarding if they cannot demonstrate their right of entry.
Why are people worried?
The Government announced the rules last year, but some dual nationals have said the changes were been brought in at short notice and were poorly communicated. Concerns are mounting that holidays or business trips could be disrupted if individuals fail to obtain a passport or certificate of entitlement in time.
Why have ETAs been implemented?
ETAs have been introduced as part of broader plans for a « more streamlined, digital immigration system » which the Government anticipates will be quicker and more secure for the millions of individuals who cross the UK border annually.
It is a digital authorisation to travel – it is neither a visa nor a tax and solely grants a person permission to journey to the UK.
Government officials assert that the implementation of ETAs aligns with the strategy many other nations have adopted towards border security, including the US and Australia.
An ETA currently costs £16 and allows multiple trips to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over a two-year period. There are proposals to increase the cost to £20 in the future.
What has the Government said?
A Home Office spokesperson said: “From February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK. Without one, carriers cannot verify they are a British citizen, which may lead to delays or refused boarding.
“Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024 and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023. This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia.”
Source link
