New travel rules for dual British nationals

• Dual British nationals face new travel requirements from February 25, 2026, when they must present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to enter the UK.
• An estimated 1.2 million dual British citizens worldwide could be affected by the changes. Previously, dual nationals could enter the UK using their non-British passport at no cost.
• The new rules are linked to Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs), which cost £16 and will be required for most travellers. British and Irish citizens are exempt from ETAs but must meet other documentation requirements.
• Dual nationals who cannot provide proper documentation may face delays or be refused boarding. Those using only a foreign passport could be subjected to extra scrutiny while their British citizenship status is verified.

• The Government argues the changes create a “more streamlined, digital immigration system” mirroring approaches in the US and Australia. However, many dual nationals claim they received insufficient warning about the new requirements.

• A Home Office spokesperson said: “Without one, carriers cannot verify they are a British citizen, which may lead to delays or refused boarding.” The alternative certificate of entitlement costs £589 to attach to a second nationality passport.

READ THE FULL STORY: New rule on Wednesday for a million Brits means new passport or £589 fee