New UK Entry Rules to Affect 1.2 Million Dual Nationals

From 25 February, British dual nationals will no longer be able to enter the UK using a non-UK passport.

Instead, they must present either a valid British passport or a new digital certificate of entitlement linked to their other passport. Without one of these, they could be refused travel to the UK.

These documents are not issued automatically when someone gains British citizenship, and some dual nationals have never applied for them. Both can take weeks to process and involve fees: about £100 for a British passport and £589 for a certificate of entitlement.

The changes are tied to the rollout of the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Dual nationals cannot apply for an ETA and must instead travel with a British passport or certificate of entitlement, with airlines now checking documents before departure to the UK. The rules do not apply to Irish passport holders but will affect other EU citizens.

An estimated 1.2 million UK residents are dual nationals and could be affected. The government says the reforms align the UK with countries such as the US and Australia, but critics warn poor communication and tight deadlines risk leaving some dual nationals stranded abroad.

For many, there is no longer enough time to apply for or renew a British passport before the new rules take effect.

Amid growing concern, the UK Home Office said on 19 February—just six days before the changes—that airlines may accept an expired British passport as an alternative document, but only at their discretion.

An official said dual nationals are expected to travel with a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement, in line with other British citizens. However, carriers can choose to accept an expired passport, and those who previously held one may apply for an emergency travel document if they urgently need to enter the UK.

The Home Office said Border Force will continue to assess travelers on arrival and carry out extra checks if needed, but strongly recommends dual nationals obtain a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to ensure smooth travel.

Although the government says the changes have been outlined on GOV.UK since October 2024, when the ETA rollout was announced, many dual nationals say they were unaware of the new rules until recent media coverage.

Those needing urgent travel can apply for a single-use emergency travel document, which costs £125.

We are licensed UK-based immigration lawyers and we can assist British Nationals with applying for a passport, including urgent and complex situations with Passport Office.

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