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The new British passport dual citizenship rules, explained
British dual citizens will face tough updated rules when entering the UK from overseas from later this month, under new government guidelines.
From 25 February, dual citizens are being "strongly advised" to have a current British passport to ensure they can enter the country – and not solely the passport of the country where they hold dual citizenship.
It means that any British national attempting to enter the country could be refused entry unless they present their British passport or a certificate of entitlement to prove their status.
The changes, which apply to all British and Irish dual citizens abroad, are part of the Home Office's rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, designed to enhance border security.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "Digitising the immigration system using ETAs ensures millions of people enjoy a more seamless travel experience to the UK.
"ETAs also give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration."
What are the current dual citizenship passport rules in the UK?
The UK recognises dual citizenship, allowing people to hold British nationality alongside another passport without losing their rights.
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There has never been a strict legal requirement for British citizens to enter the country using a British passport.
As a result, dual nationals – particularly those holding passports from visa-exempt countries such as Australia, Canada or EU states – can travel to the UK on their non-British passport.
If asked, travellers are usually able to confirm their British status at the border using alternatives such as an expired British passport, a naturalisation certificate, or proof of right of abode.
A certificate of entitlement, which proves the passport holder has the right to stay in the UK, can also be used.
How are the British dual citizenship passport rules changing?
From 25 February, when the ETA scheme comes into full force, most visitors from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain digital permission to travel before departure, typically costing £16 and remaining valid for two years or until the passport expires.
While British and Irish citizens – including dual nationals – are exempt from ETAs, they will no longer be able to rely on a non-British passport to enter the UK and will have to present a valid British passport, a valid Irish passport where applicable, or by using a certificate of entitlement.
A Home Office briefing document states: "We strongly advise dual British citizens to make sure they have a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement, to avoid problems like being denied boarding when travelling to the UK from 25 February 2026.
"From 25 February 2026, dual British citizens who cannot produce a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement will need to have additional identity checks and will not be able to go through UK passport control until their British nationality is verified."
The certificate costs £589 when applied for from outside the UK or Ireland and must be renewed each time a new passport is issued.
A standard British adult passport costs £94.50, while an Irish passport costs €75.
Anyone without the required documents may face extra checks at the border, lose access to e-gates, or be denied boarding altogether by carriers who risk fines.
One British woman who has lived in Germany for years, told the Guardian she and many others felt the changes had not been communicated well to those living abroad and that keeping up two passports for a family was an expensive "luxury" that not everyone could afford.
"I'm really annoyed about being treated as Brexit collateral once again with this short-notice, shortsighted, arbitrary change of the rules," she said.
Another British Italian told the newspaper he had booked a flight for a work trip last week and only just discovered he could be stranded, as despite having dual nationality, he has never held his own British passport and travelled on his Italian passport.
