UK Enforces New ETA Rules Impacting Dual Nationals From 2026

Effective February 25, 2026, the United Kingdom has fully implemented new border entry rules, mandating that British dual nationals must use a valid British passport or a specific certificate to enter the country. The change is a core component of the UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which now governs entry for all visitors who do not require a visa.

The policy shift, part of a wider digital border transformation, eliminates the long-standing practice of dual citizens entering on a foreign passport and asserting their right of abode at immigration. Airlines are now legally obligated to deny boarding to any British dual national who cannot produce the required documentation before departure. This has created significant disruption and confusion for expatriates and travelers, particularly those residing in international hubs like the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

New Documentation Mandate for Dual Citizens

Under the regulations enforced by the UK Home Office, British citizens holding a second nationality can no longer rely on their non-British passport to travel to the UK. To board a UK-bound flight, ferry, or train, they must present one of two documents: a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode affixed to their foreign passport.

According to GOV.UK, the Certificate of Entitlement serves as proof of a person's unrestricted right to live and work in the UK. However, obtaining this certificate comes at a significant cost of £589. This contrasts sharply with the £94.50 fee for a standard online UK passport application from within the UK. Critics argue this financial barrier effectively penalizes dual nationals who may not have maintained a British passport, particularly those born or living abroad for extended periods.

A Home Office spokesperson clarified the government's position: "The UK is moving to a modernised digital immigration system to enhance our border security. From 25 February, international carriers will check all passengers for valid permission or status to travel to the UK... The correct permission for British citizens is a British passport or a foreign passport endorsed with a certificate of entitlement."

Digital Borders and Global Alignment

The UK’s ETA system is the foundation of these changes and aligns the country with a global trend toward digital border control. The system functions similarly to the United States' Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and the European Union's upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Visa-exempt foreign nationals must now apply for an ETA online before their journey at a cost of £16. The authorization is digitally linked to their passport and, according to GOV.UK, is valid for multiple entries over two years or until the passport expires.

While British and Irish citizens are exempt from needing an ETA, the system's design creates a paradox for dual nationals attempting to travel on their foreign passport. As they are British citizens, they are ineligible to apply for an ETA, leaving them with no valid digital permission to present to their airline. The official government guidance for dual citizens makes it clear that a British passport is the primary required document.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, stated, "The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK's border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public. I'd urge anyone wanting to travel to the UK to ensure they are travel ready and have the right permission, to make their journey much smoother."

Impact on British Expatriates and Carriers

The rule change has had immediate practical consequences for British dual nationals living overseas. Reports on social media and travel forums highlight instances of travelers being turned away at airports after discovering the new requirement at the last minute. The lack of a significant grace period has been a point of contention, with political groups, including the Liberal Democrats, calling for a revision of the rules to prevent citizens from facing undue obstacles.

For airlines, the mandate transforms them into frontline enforcers of UK immigration policy. The legal obligation to refuse boarding to non-compliant passengers places a significant burden on check-in staff and carrier systems to accurately verify documentation. The previous discretionary practice of some airlines accepting recently expired British passports is no longer a guaranteed option, adding another layer of uncertainty for travelers.

The policy particularly affects children of British parents born abroad who may hold citizenship but have never possessed a British passport. They are now required to complete the full application process, which can take several weeks or months when initiated from overseas, complicating family visits and emergency travel.

Why This Matters

This policy shift marks a fundamental change in how the UK manages its borders and defines travel requirements for its own citizens. For airlines, it introduces a new layer of document verification liability, potentially increasing operational friction at check-in and placing them in a difficult enforcement role. For millions of British dual nationals, it necessitates proactive passport management and eliminates previous travel flexibilities, aligning the UK with stricter national passport entry rules seen in countries like the United States and Australia.

flying.flights is your source for accurate commercial aviation news and global aviation updates. For reporting on UAP sightings, investigations, and aviation-related encounters, see the UAPs section at flying.flights/uaps.