British dual nationals travelling to the UK without a British passport could soon be denied entry, following new Home Office entry requirements coming into force on 25 February 2026.
Under the updated rules, British citizens living or travelling abroad will be required to present either a valid UK passport or a certificate of entitlement to confirm their right of entry when arriving in the UK. Those who fail to do so may face delays or be refused entry at the border.
Until now, many dual nationals have been able to enter the UK using a non-British passport and, if necessary, prove their British citizenship through alternative documents. This flexibility will end once the new rules take effect.
Who will be affected?
The changes apply to all British dual citizens overseas, including those who also hold Irish or EU nationality. From 25 February 2026, affected travellers will need to obtain a British or Irish passport if they wish to enter the UK without complications.
Travellers arriving on or before 24 February 2026 will still be permitted to enter the UK using a valid non-British passport.
Why is the rule changing?
The new requirements form part of the Home Office’s wider rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which will require visa-free nationals to obtain pre-travel clearance before entering the UK.
While British and Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement, they must now prove their status by travelling on a British or Irish passport, or by holding a certificate of entitlement.
A Home Office spokesperson said:
“From 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to avoid delays at the border. Digitising the immigration system through ETAs allows for smoother travel while strengthening border security and providing a clearer picture of immigration.”
How much will it cost?
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A standard adult British passport currently costs £94.50
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An Irish passport costs €75
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Applying for a passport from overseas may cost more
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A certificate of entitlement, which is placed in a foreign passport to confirm the holder’s right to live and work in the UK, costs £589
Background
A House of Commons briefing noted that although there is no legal obligation for British citizens to travel on a British passport, enhanced pre-departure checks have made this increasingly difficult. The Home Office has advised dual nationals for several months to travel on a British passport but delayed strict enforcement to allow travellers time to prepare.
With the new rules now confirmed, dual citizens are being urged to check their travel documents well in advance to avoid disruption.
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