UK Tightens Entry Rules for Dual Citizens

British citizens who hold another nationality will soon need to present a British passport to return home.

Beginning February 25, 2026, the United Kingdom will require dual nationals to enter the country using a valid British passport, an Irish passport, or a foreign passport containing a Certificate of Entitlement confirming the right of abode.

The change is tied to the rollout of the U.K.’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and affects dual nationals worldwide, including children.

Here’s what’s changing, who is affected, and what to do now.

What Is Changing?

Dual citizens who hold British citizenship, whether by birth or naturalization, must present one of the following when traveling to the U.K.:

• A valid British passport
• A valid Irish passport
• A valid foreign passport that contains a Certificate of Entitlement confirming right of abode

Dual nationals will not be able to apply for an ETA using their non-British passport. That means they can no longer rely solely on a foreign passport to board a flight, ferry, or train to the U.K.

Airlines have been instructed to deny boarding to dual nationals who do not meet the documentation requirements.

The rule applies regardless of where the dual citizen lives.

Why Is the U.K. Making This Change?

The new rule is linked to the country’s ETA system, which has been rolling out since 2023. Similar to the U.S. ESTA system, the ETA requires travelers from visa-free countries to obtain pre-travel authorization before arriving in the U.K.

The ETA currently costs £16, with plans to increase it to £20.

Dual nationals cannot apply for an ETA. The government says the change clarifies how British citizens must prove their right to enter the country and brings U.K. procedures in line with countries such as the United States and Australia, which require their citizens to enter on a national passport.

Who Is Affected?

The new requirement applies to:

• British citizens who also hold another nationality
• Children with dual British citizenship
• Dual nationals living abroad
• Dual nationals living in the U.K. who travel internationally

Irish passport holders are exempt. Individuals who hold both British and Irish citizenship may continue to enter using their Irish passport.

According to the 2021 census, more than 1.2 million residents of England and Wales are U.K.-other dual citizens.

What Is a Certificate of Entitlement?

A Certificate of Entitlement is a document placed in a foreign passport confirming the holder’s right of abode in the U.K.

It costs £589 and can take several weeks to process.

Unlike citizenship itself, British passports and Certificates of Entitlement are not automatically issued when someone becomes a British citizen. Many dual nationals have never applied for one, especially those who have lived in the U.K. for decades and typically traveled on another passport.

A standard adult British passport costs around £100, and processing times vary.

Practical Impacts for Dual Nationals

The rollout has caused confusion and frustration among some dual nationals who were unaware of the change or have upcoming travel plans.

Because airlines face fines for boarding travelers without proper documentation, carriers are conducting checks before departure. In some cases, airlines may accept an expired British passport at their discretion, but this is not guaranteed.

Individuals without a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement could be denied boarding, even if they are British citizens.

For people abroad whose British passports have expired or who never applied for one, this could mean delayed travel, changed itineraries, or extended stays overseas while waiting for documentation.

What Dual Citizens Should Do Now

If you are a British dual national and plan to travel after February 25, 2026:

1. Check whether your British passport is valid.
2. Apply for a new passport well in advance if it is expired or close to expiration.
3. If you do not wish to apply for a British passport, explore applying for a Certificate of Entitlement instead.
4. Do not rely on being able to apply for an ETA — dual nationals are not eligible.
5. If you have urgent travel, research emergency travel document options before departure.

Processing times can stretch into several weeks or months, particularly during peak travel periods.

What Employers and Mobility Teams Should Do

Companies with internationally mobile employees, particularly remote workers, expatriates, or dual-national staff, should review travel policies ahead of the February deadline.

Practical steps include:

• Identify employees who hold dual British citizenship and travel internationally for work.
• Confirm passport validity for upcoming business trips in 2026.
• Build buffer time into travel planning in case documentation is delayed.
• Update global mobility guidance so HR and travel coordinators understand that dual nationals cannot use the ETA system.
• Communicate early with affected employees to prevent last-minute disruptions.

For employers, unexpected denial of boarding could mean missed meetings, compliance issues tied to work location, or payroll complications if an employee is stranded abroad.

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