UK Warns Dual British Nationals: Can't Enter Country After February 25 Without British Passport

Last Updated:February 13, 2026, 22:40 IST

Short-term visitors from visa-free countries will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs £16.

Dual British nationals may be denied boarding flights, ferries or trains to the UK after February 25 unless they carry a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement, under new border control rules introduced by the UK Home Office.

The change is part of a wider overhaul of Britain’s immigration system that requires all travellers to the UK to obtain prior permission before travel, unless they are British or Irish citizens or otherwise exempt. Short-term visitors from visa-free countries will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs £16. However, dual nationals- people who hold British citizenship along with another nationality- will, for the first time, be required to prove their British status at the point of boarding.

Read more: From Exile To PM: Historic Firsts For Tarique Rahman After Bangladesh Poll Win

What Has Changed As Per New Rule?

Previously, many dual nationals were able to travel to the UK using their non-British passport, particularly EU passports, as immigration authorities could identify their British citizenship upon arrival. Under the new system, airlines and other carriers must verify travel permission before departure. British citizens cannot apply for an ETA. This means dual nationals travelling on a non-British passport must either present a valid British passport or obtain a £589 certificate of entitlement attached to their other passport.

Read more: In First Reaction, Tarique Rahman Thanks Supporters After BNP’s Landslide Win: ‘Grateful’

Without one of these documents, carriers may refuse boarding.

Why Is It Controversial?

The rule has triggered complaints from British citizens living abroad who say the changes were not clearly communicated and impose significant financial burdens. Maintaining two passports for an entire family can be costly. The £589 certificate of entitlement- required if a dual national does not hold a valid British passport- has been criticised as prohibitively expensive. Some dual nationals in Europe face additional complications. In countries such as Spain, individuals who naturalise are required to renounce previous citizenships. Presenting a British passport could create legal risks regarding their adopted nationality. Others have expressed concern that children born abroad to British parents, who have never held a British passport but are technically British citizens, may suddenly face travel restrictions.

News world UK Warns Dual British s: Can't Enter Country After February 25 Without British Passport

Read More