British citizens who hold another nationality could be denied entry to the United Kingdom when trying to enter the country under new rules due to come into effect from 25 February 2026.
Until now, British nationals abroad who are also dual nationals of a “non-visa” country have been allowed to present documents other than their British passport, such as a foreign passport, at UK border checks. But from late February, the change means they will no longer be permitted to do that.
British citizens are supposed to be exempt from UK immigration control procedures because they have the “right of abode” in the UK. But that situation is changing after the introduction of electronic travel authorisations (ETA) for non-visa national visitors, which makes it “more difficult for people with dual citizenship for the UK and a non-visa national country to use their foreign passport to travel to the UK,” according to a House of Commons Library briefing.
From 25 Feb 2026, dual nationals with British citizenship must use a valid UK passport or a certificate of entitlement to travel to the UK. Travel won’t be possible without one.
— UK in New Zealand (@UKinNZ) January 13, 2026
Check and renew your passport now: https://t.co/hWaflkvPjI
ETA info: https://t.co/dCMO6568ff pic.twitter.com/UXsC34e1MM
From 25 February, “all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid delays at the border,” a Home Office spokesperson confirmed. The new rule applies to all British and Irish citizens abroad, including those living in the European Union. It means Irish citizens who have previously been allowed to travel to the UK on an Irish passport will need to obtain a British passport or a “certificate of entitlement” to enter the UK.
A new standard British passport costs £94.50 (around €109). A certificate of entitlement costs £589 (€679). It can be applied for online from inside the UK, where help exists to access the process. A decision can take up to eight weeks. From abroad, applications also take place online, and there is no help service. It can take up to three weeks to obtain a decision.
Ex-Pats : From 25th Feb, British Nationals abroad, who are dual citizens, must produce a current British Passport to enter GB. You retain all citizenship rights. Just an administrative change. If you need a quick renewal, go though a UK passport agency. Got mine in 10 days. pic.twitter.com/VFgDjaNjb4
— Anna Ireland (@AnnaIreland17) January 15, 2026
Although ETAs have been hailed by the Home Office as ensuring “millions of people enjoy a more seamless travel experience,” for those dual citizens already living abroad or about to travel abroad who were planning on using their foreign passport at the border, the scheme introduces not only costs but also administrative hassle.
The shift is being described as “a significant change for British dual nationals.” It could also reawaken Anglo-Irish resentments as it could be argued to breach Common Travel Area (CTA) rules, which designate the UK and Ireland as a special zone allowing British and Irish citizens (plus residents of Crown Dependencies) to travel, live, work, and access services freely between the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey, with minimal border checks.
