Dual British nationals may be allowed to use expired UK passports to board flights home, just days before strict new travel rules come into force. From February 25, dual citizens will be expected to present either a valid British passport or a digital Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK. Without one, carriers are required to deny boarding under the Government’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) regime.

The Certificate of Entitlement – which replaces the physical vignette sticker and is attached digitally to a foreign passport – costs £589. The change is part of the wider rollout of the UK’s ETA system, which requires visa-free visitors to obtain digital permission to travel before boarding transport to Britain. An ETA currently costs £10 and allows multiple visits over two years.

British and Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement, including dual nationals. But under the new enforcement rules, dual citizens are still expected to prove their British status with a valid UK passport or certificate.

Confusion has grown among British dual nationals who do not currently hold a valid UK passport, particularly those already abroad or with travel booked for the near future.

The Home Office has now said airlines and other carriers may, at their discretion, accept an expired British passport as alternative documentation — provided passengers also travel on a valid foreign passport.

It did not specify how old an expired passport could be, but separate guidance indicates passports issued from 1989 onwards may be considered.

A Home Office spokesperson told ITV News: “At their own discretion, carriers can accept an expired British passport as alternative documentation. Separately, individuals who have previously had a British passport can apply for an emergency travel document if they urgently need to enter the UK.”

The spokesperson added: “In line with current practice, on arrival at the UK border, Border Force will still assess a person’s suitability to enter the UK and conduct additional checks if required.”

Previously, the department stated that travellers would need a “valid British passport” or a Certificate of Entitlement to board.

The Liberal Democrats have called for a grace period to prevent disruption. Immigration and asylum spokesperson Will Forster said: “The Government’s approach has left dual nationals completely in the lurch.”

Writing on X, Will Forster said: “Many who don’t currently hold a British passport find themselves stranded abroad or having to stump up a huge sum just to get back home.”

Director of public affairs at travel trade body ABTA, Luke Petherbridge, told ITV: “There has been confusion and uncertainty around the changes, particularly for dual British citizens returning from trips abroad in the coming weeks.”

Luke Petherbridge said: “While official advice remains for UK citizens to travel with a British passport or certificate from February 25, people may also be allowed to board with alternative proof where necessary.”

The Government says the overhaul is part of a shift to a fully digital border system, under which carriers must verify passengers’ permission to travel through automated checks with Home Office records before departure.

Officials insist guidance has been available since 2024 and that carriers worldwide have had the tools needed to conduct digital status checks.

However, with the rules due to take effect next Wednesday, dual nationals without a valid UK passport face uncertainty — and potentially hefty costs — if carriers refuse to accept alternative proof.