New UK Rule: Dual British Nationals Need British Passport to Enter

Starting February 25, 2026, people who are British citizens and also citizens of another country must use a British passport to travel to the UK. This is a new rule to make border checks easier. If you are a dual national, please check your passport details before you travel.
By Newsroom | UK Entry Rules, Travel Documentation |

Starting February 25, 2026, individuals holding both British citizenship and another nationality face new entry requirements for the United Kingdom. This change mandates that dual British nationals must present a valid British passport when traveling to the UK. Previously, many dual nationals could use their non-British passport to enter the UK, with immigration officials confirming their British status upon arrival. The new digital border system aims to streamline checks, but critics point to potential complications for those who have not maintained a current British passport.

The shift is significant because it requires dual nationals to proactively demonstrate their right to enter the UK at the point of departure, rather than relying on border officials to ascertain their status upon arrival. This alters established travel patterns for many Britons living abroad who may have let their British passports expire or never held one, particularly children born overseas to British parents or individuals who acquired a new nationality and were required to relinquish their British one under previous laws of other countries.

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New Border Control Protocol

The United Kingdom is transitioning to a fully digital border system. A key element of this upgrade is the introduction of the Entry Clearance digital application (ETA), which is required for many visitors. However, British citizens, including those with dual nationality, are ineligible to apply for an ETA. Instead, they must use a valid British or Irish passport.

  • Mandatory Documentation: Dual British nationals must now travel to the UK with a valid British passport.

  • Alternative Documentation: As an alternative, a valid Irish passport or a foreign passport that includes a Certificate of Entitlement confirming the right of abode in the UK will be accepted.

  • ETA Inapplicability: The ETA system's requirements do not override this specific rule for dual nationals; possessing an ETA on a non-British passport will not be sufficient for entry if a British passport is required.

Impact on Dual Nationals Living Abroad

Many dual British nationals living outside the UK have historically traveled using their non-British passports, especially if they held EU passports prior to Brexit or resided in countries where dual nationality is common. This new rule could create a barrier for these individuals.

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  • Expired or Unobtained Passports: Concerns have been raised about individuals who have let their British passports expire or have never held a British passport, despite being recognized as British citizens. This includes children born abroad to British parents.

  • Legal Conflicts: Some individuals may face a difficult choice. For example, certain countries, like Spain, require individuals naturalizing as citizens to renounce their previous nationality. Presenting a British passport at a UK airport could, therefore, put their Spanish nationality at legal risk.

  • Travel Disruption: Travelers returning to the UK after February 25, 2026, and who are dual nationals but only possess a non-British passport, may be denied boarding. This has led to calls for global mobility managers to audit employees and business travelers.

Examining the "Right of Abode" Certificate

The new regulations acknowledge that a foreign passport, when accompanied by a specific certificate, can be used for entry.

  • Certificate of Entitlement: This document serves as proof of the right to live in the UK and can be stamped or affixed to a foreign passport.

  • Complexity for Some: For those who have never held a British passport, obtaining this certificate may require a process separate from simply renewing or applying for a British passport.

  • Practical Challenges: Families might encounter issues if, for instance, a parent's UK passport is expired and a child has never held a UK passport, potentially complicating check-in procedures or requiring alternative documentation that is not readily available.

Official Guidance and Expert Interpretation

Government guidance emphasizes that dual British or Irish citizens cannot obtain an ETA. They are specifically required to prove their permission to travel using one of the approved documents.

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"Dual nationals are people who hold British citizenship along with another nationality. They will, for the first time, be required to prove their British status at the point of boarding."

"From 25 February, UK border systems will go fully digital. The Guardian reports growing anger from Britons settled in Spain, Germany and elsewhere who never renewed—or never held—a British passport after Brexit."

Findings and Implications

The implementation of new UK entry rules on February 25, 2026, necessitates that dual British nationals possess a valid British passport for travel to the UK. While alternative documentation like a British passport, an Irish passport, or a foreign passport with a Certificate of Entitlement will be accepted, the reliance on digital systems and the ineligibility of dual nationals for ETAs highlight a significant procedural change.

The primary implication is the potential for travel disruptions and complications for a considerable number of individuals, particularly those living abroad who have not maintained an up-to-date British passport. The situation requires individuals to proactively assess their documentation status and take necessary steps well before the deadline.

The practical steps for affected individuals include:

  • Verifying Passport Status: Confirming whether a valid British passport is required for travel.

  • Acquiring Necessary Documents: If a British passport is needed and not held or is expired, initiating the renewal or application process.

  • Exploring Alternatives: If unable or unwilling to use a British passport due to legal conflicts with other nationalities, securing a Certificate of Entitlement in their foreign passport.

This regulatory shift underscores the evolving landscape of international travel documentation and its direct impact on citizens with multifaceted nationalities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who needs a British passport to enter the UK from February 25, 2026?
People who are British citizens and also citizens of another country must use a British passport.
Q: Can I use my other country's passport to enter the UK?
No, you must use a valid British passport. An Irish passport or a foreign passport with a special 'Certificate of Entitlement' is also allowed.
Q: What if my British passport has expired?
You will need to get a new British passport before you travel to the UK.
Q: Why is the UK making this change?
The UK is moving to a digital border system to make checks faster and simpler.
Q: What if I cannot get a British passport because of laws in another country?
You may be able to get a 'Certificate of Entitlement' to put in your foreign passport to prove you can enter the UK.