A group of UK citizens will either need to get a new passport or will have to pay £589
New passport rules will come in next week for millions of Brits(Image: Getty Images)
A group of UK citizens, including dual British nationals, could be faced with the prospect of obtaining a new passport or paying hundreds of pounds due to a border change coming into effect next week. New regulations stipulate that dual British nationals, including children, may be denied entry to the UK unless they hold a British passport.
This rule, set to take effect later this month, impacts approximately 1.2 million dual British citizens worldwide. Starting from February 25, those visiting the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Without an ETA, travellers will not be allowed to board their flight, ferry, or train.
Whilst British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from this requirement, they must meet other criteria.
What should dual nationals do when the ETA is introduced?
To travel to the UK, dual nationals will now require a valid British passport. Alternatively, they can pay £589 for a certificate of entitlement to attach to their second nationality passport, the Mirror reports.
Previously, dual nationals were able to enter the UK using their non-British passport without any charges.
What if they travel without a British passport?
Dual nationals trying to enter the UK solely with a foreign passport might face challenges.
Although British citizens have a legal right of abode in the UK, travellers may undergo additional scrutiny whilst their status is verified.
They could also be barred from boarding if they cannot prove their right of entry.
Why is there concern?
The Government introduced these rules last year, but some dual nationals have expressed that the changes were implemented with little notice and poor communication.
There are growing concerns that holidays or business trips could be disrupted if individuals do not obtain a passport or certificate of entitlement in time.
Why have ETAs been introduced?
ETAs have been rolled out as part of wider plans for a “more streamlined, digital immigration system” which the Government expects will be faster and more secure for the millions who cross the UK border each year.
It’s a digital travel authorisation – it’s not a visa or a tax and simply grants an individual permission to travel to the UK.
Government officials maintain that the introduction of ETAs aligns with the strategies many other countries have adopted for border security, including the US and Australia.
At present, an ETA costs £16 and permits multiple trips to the UK for visits of up to six months at a time over a two-year period.
There are plans to increase the fee to £20 in the future.
What has the Government said?
A spokesperson from the Home Office stated: “From February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK. Without one, carriers cannot verify they are a British citizen, which may lead to delays or refused boarding.
“Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024 and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023.
This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia.”
