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The UK’s New Dual Nationality Travel Rules: What Changes From 25 February 2026?
From Wednesday 25 February 2026, the United Kingdom is introducing a major change in how dual British nationals are allowed to enter the country — a move tied to the full implementation and enforcement of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
What’s Changing?
Previously, many British citizens who also held another nationality could travel into the UK using their non-British passport if they didn’t require a visa. That practice has now ended.
Under the new rules:
• Dual British nationals must enter the UK on a valid British passport, or
• They can enter using another passport only if it contains a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (a document proving the right to live in the UK).
If a dual national does not have either of those, they could be refused boarding by airlines, ferries or other carriers before departure — effectively blocking entry into the UK at the transport stage rather than at the border.
Why Is This Happening?
These changes stem from the UK government’s rollout of the ETA system, part of a broader move to digitise border controls and require formal pre-travel permission for most visitors. Under the ETA scheme:
• Visitors from visa-exempt countries must apply for ETA before traveling.
• British citizens (including dual nationals) remain exempt from ETA itself, but carriers must still verify that passengers are legally entitled to enter the UK — and with the new system, that verification hinges on the travel document presented at check-in.
This marks a shift in practical enforcement: carriers are now liable if they transport someone without clear proof of validity to enter the UK.
What Counts as Acceptable Documentation?
Dual British nationals should now travel with:
1. A valid British passport — the simplest and most straightforward option.
2. A valid Irish passport — only if the British national also holds Irish citizenship.
3. A Certificate of Entitlement in their other passport — a separate document confirming the “right of abode” in the UK.
The Certificate of Entitlement can be expensive (around £589 from outside the UK) and must be renewed each time a new foreign passport is issued.
In response to confusion and public concern, authorities have indicated that expired UK passports may sometimes be accepted by carriers at their discretion, but this is not guaranteed and may not prevent problems at the airport or border.
Effects on Dual Nationals and Families
The change has sparked widespread concern among British dual citizens living abroad and their families:
• Many were unaware of the change and still hold travel bookings using only a non-British passport.
• There are reports of travel plans being disrupted and relatives unable to return for family events.
• Critics argue the timing, cost and communication have been inadequate, with calls from opposition parties for a grace period to allow people to apply for British passports or certificates before enforcement.
What This Isn’t
Despite confusing headlines circulating online, this policy does not mean the UK has banned dual citizenship or stripped people of their British nationality. Citizens retain full legal rights, including the right of abode — but the way in which that right must be proved at the point of travel has been tightened.
Tips for Affected Travellers
If you’re a dual British national planning to travel to the UK soon:
• Check your British passport — if it’s expired, renew it as soon as possible.
• If you do not have a British passport, consider applying for one well in advance.
• As a backup, look into the Certificate of Entitlement, especially if you currently use a foreign passport for travel.
• Contact your airline or carrier before departure to verify the documents they require to allow you to board.
In summary, the changes coming into force on 25 February 2026 represent a significant tightening of UK border travel requirements for dual nationals — with the practical effect that entering the UK without the right documentation may not be possible. This is not a ban on dual citizenship itself but a shift in how citizenship is demonstrated for travel purposes.
Attached is a news article regarding British dual citizenship banned in the uk from the 25th of February
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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