UK Passport Changes 2026: New Entry Rules for Dual British Citizens Explained

Big Changes to UK Passport Rules Starting February 25, 2026: What Dual Citizens and Travelers Need to Know

Starting February 25, 2026, the UK is rolling out new passport and border rules, and they’re going to hit a lot of people—especially Brits who also hold another passport.

This is all part of the UK government’s move to a digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. It’s meant to tighten up and modernise border security. In just a few weeks, the ETA becomes mandatory for most non-UK visitors, but there’s a twist for dual nationals.

what’s actually changing?

If you’re a British citizen and you also have another nationality, you won’t be able to use just your foreign passport to get into the UK anymore. No more breezing through on your Canadian, Australian, American, or EU passport if you’re also British. Here’s what you need to know:

-You’ll have to show a valid British passport to board any flight, ferry, or train heading to the UK.
If you don’t have a British passport, you’ll need a Certificate of Entitlement in your foreign passport—this document proves you have the right to live in the UK.
Irish passports are still fine, thanks to the Common Travel Area rules.

If you don’t have one of these documents, airlines and other carriers can turn you away—even if you’re a British citizen.

Now, about the costs…

Getting a Certificate of Entitlement isn’t cheap. A British passport runs about £94.50 (a bit more if you’re applying from overseas), but a Certificate of Entitlement? That’ll set you back around £589, and you’ll have to renew it every time you get a new passport from your other country.

A lot of dual nationals got used to traveling on their non-UK passports, and, honestly, the rules were pretty relaxed. That’s over now. The new system will check everyone, every time.

Why is this happening?

The UK wants to bring its border controls in line with places like the US and Canada. The ETA is basically a digital permission slip for people coming from visa-free countries. But British and Irish citizens don’t need an ETA. The snag is, if you’re a dual national and you show up with your non-UK passport, you can’t get an ETA—and you can’t prove you’re British without the right paperwork. So, the government says, you have to travel with your British passport (or that pricey certificate) from now on.

The Home Office says it’s all about keeping borders modern and secure, and having a clearer picture of who’s coming in and out.

Not everyone’s happy

There’s been a lot of pushback. Some dual nationals say the new rules are confusing, expensive, and honestly, pretty unfair—especially for Brits living abroad who’ve used their other passport for years. Families with kids born overseas might get caught out if they don’t sort out British passports in time. Last-minute travel plans? That could be a headache.

People have also pointed out that other countries—like Canada and the US—make it much cheaper and easier for dual citizens to travel.

What should you do?

If you’ve got British citizenship and another passport, check your documents now. Make sure your British passport is valid and, if not, apply to renew it as soon as you can. If you’re thinking about the Certificate of Entitlement, weigh up the costs especially if you’re worried about passport processing delays. Remember, if you’re Irish, your Irish passport still works fine for travel to the UK.


These new rules are a big deal for British dual nationals and anyone traveling to the UK. With the ETA kicking in, you’ll need to prove your right to enter before you even get on the plane. Don’t wait until the last minute sort your documents out well before the February 25, 2026, deadline. Otherwise, you could end up stuck at the airport, watching your flight take off without you.