Some British nationals could face problems at the border when the change begins on February 25, 2026
The new rules begin this Wednesday, February 25(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A cluster of UK citizens are bracing themselves for the prospect of obtaining a new passport or shelling out hundreds of pounds due to an impending border change set to kick in on Wednesday. Dual British nationals, including children, could be denied entry into the UK unless they hold a British passport, under fresh regulations slated to come into force later this month.
An estimated 1.2 million dual British citizens are scattered across the globe. From February 25, 2026, those journeying to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Travellers without an ETA will be prohibited from boarding their flight, ferry or train.
British and Irish citizens, which includes dual nationals, are exempt from this requirement but must adhere to other stipulations. To travel to the UK, dual nationals will now require a valid British passport.
Alternatively, they can fork out £589 for a certificate of entitlement to attach to their second nationality passport. In the past, dual nationals were able to enter the UK using their non-British passport at no cost.
Dual nationals attempting to gain entry to the UK solely with a foreign passport may face hurdles. Although British citizens have a legal right to reside in the UK, travellers could be subjected to extra scrutiny while their status is verified. They might also be barred from boarding if they fail to prove their right of entry.
The Government rolled out these regulations last year, but numerous dual nationals have argued the changes arrived with insufficient warning and inadequate communication. Anxiety is growing that getaways or work journeys could face disruption if people don’t obtain a passport or certificate of entitlement quickly enough.
Why have ETAs been introduced?
ETAs have been brought in 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 crossing the UK border each year. It’s a digital travel authorisation – not a visa or levy, simply granting someone permission to travel to the UK.
Government officials maintain that introducing ETAs mirrors the approach numerous other countries have taken for border security, such as the US and Australia.
At present, an ETA costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time across a two-year period. There are plans to raise the charge to £20 down the line.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “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.”