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Starting February 25, 2026, dual nationals will need to travel to the U.K. with a valid British passport (or an Irish passport or foreign passport with a Certificate of Entitlement). You will not be able to rely on only your non-UK passport, and airlines may deny boarding if your documents do not match the new rule.
If you have travel coming up in 2026, it is a good time to check passport expiration dates and renew early.
We explain what is changing, who it affects, and what to do now: https://bit.ly/46Y86kZ
What is a Certificate of Entitlement?
A Certificate of Entitlement is a document placed in a foreign passport confirming the holder’s right of abode in the U.K.
It costs £589 and can take several weeks to process.
Unlike citizenship itself, British passports and Certificates of Entitlement are not automatically issued when someone becomes a British citizen. Many dual nationals have never applied for one, especially those who have lived in the U.K. for decades and typically travelled on another passport.
A standard adult British passport costs around £100, and processing times vary.
Practical impacts for dual nationals:
The rollout has caused confusion and frustration among some dual nationals who were unaware of the change or have upcoming travel plans.
Because airlines face fines for boarding travellers without proper documentation, carriers are conducting checks before departure. In some cases, airlines may accept an expired British passport at their discretion, but this is not guaranteed.
Individuals without a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement could be denied boarding, even if they are British citizens.
For people abroad whose British passports have expired or who never applied for one, this could mean delayed travel, changed itineraries, or extended stays overseas while waiting for documentation.
Who is affected?
The new requirement applies to:
- British citizens who also hold another nationality
- Children with dual British citizenship
- Dual nationals living abroad
- Dual nationals living in the U.K. who travel internationally
Irish passport holders are exempt. Individuals who hold both British and Irish citizenship may continue to enter using their Irish passport.
According to the 2021 census, more than 1.2 million residents of England and Wales are U.K.-other dual citizens.
What dual citizens should do now:
If you are a British dual national and plan to travel after February 25, 2026:
- Check whether your British passport is valid.
- Apply for a new passport well in advance if it is expired or close to expiration.
- If you do not wish to apply for a British passport, explore applying for a Certificate of Entitlement instead.
- Do not rely on being able to apply for an ETA — dual nationals are not eligible.
- If you have urgent travel, research emergency travel document options before departure.
Processing times can stretch into several weeks or months, particularly during peak travel periods.
Do search on gov.uk where you will find information on all of these processes and up to date information and prices.
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