A significant shift is coming for British citizens who also hold another nationality. As of February 24, 2026, those with dual citizenship will face new requirements to enter the United Kingdom, potentially facing delays or being denied entry without a valid British passport.
For years, dual nationals have enjoyed the flexibility of using either their British or other passport to travel to the UK, supplementing with additional documentation if needed. This long-standing practice is set to change, driven by the implementation of Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) and a tightening of border control measures.
The new regulations stipulate that dual citizens must travel on a British or Irish passport, or possess a certificate of entitlement. This applies to anyone who gained British citizenship through birth, naturalisation, or registration, regardless of where they currently reside.
The change isn’t legally requiring citizens to *have* a British passport, but effectively makes it so for practical travel. Pre-departure checks conducted by transport providers are designed around British passports, creating a significant hurdle for those relying on alternative documentation.
Transport companies face penalties for bringing passengers to the UK with insufficient paperwork, making them unlikely to deviate from the Home Office’s strict guidelines. Expired British passports or certificates of naturalisation, previously accepted, will no longer suffice.
Currently, a standard British adult passport costs £94.50 when applying online, while a child’s passport is £61.50. Applying from overseas incurs slightly higher fees. Alternatively, a certificate of entitlement, proving the right to live and work in the UK, carries a substantial cost of £589.
The Home Office defends the changes as part of a broader effort to digitise the immigration system, aiming for a smoother travel experience for millions while bolstering national security. They claim ETAs will provide a clearer picture of immigration patterns and enhance the ability to identify potential threats.
However, the new rules are sparking frustration among some dual nationals. Cesare, a mathematics lecturer who recently became a British citizen, expressed concern that these measures disproportionately impact those who have already navigated complex immigration processes.
He argues that, similar to post-Brexit restrictions, these policies impose costs on citizens, and create a paradox where those who delayed obtaining a British passport now face higher expenses. He believes the changes were implemented hastily, lacking thorough impact assessments and proper consultation.
The reaction is mixed. Some, like one commenter on social media, see the change as reciprocal, pointing to Australia’s requirement that dual nationals enter on their Australian passport. Others view dual citizenship as a privilege that warrants maintaining both passports.
For one Australian-British dual citizen, the added expense of a British passport is a significant burden. The upcoming changes are forcing a reevaluation of travel plans and financial considerations.
The shift underscores a growing trend towards stricter border controls and a more formalized approach to verifying citizenship. Dual nationals are now urged to ensure their British passports are current to avoid potential disruptions to their travel.
