Dual Nationals - Why you should now travel with your British passport too

These rules have already caused reported major disruption for travellers who were unaware of the sudden changes, so it is essential for dual nationals to understand what is now required of them when travelling.

What has changed?

Historically, many British dual nationals entered the UK using the passport of their other nationality. As of February 2026, this is no longer permitted.

Under the UK’s fully implemented Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, carriers such as airlines, Eurostar and ferry companies must verify every passenger’s permission to travel before they board. Because British citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement, carriers must now see evidence of British citizenship in a format that their digital systems can recognise.

As a result:

• A non-British passport alone is no longer acceptable for entry into the UK;
• Dual nationals must now present either:
  • A valid British passport; or
  • A Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode attached to their current and valid foreign passport.

Some travel carriers may accept certain expired British passports at their discretion, but this varies and cannot be relied upon with full certainty.

Why has this change been introduced?

The ETA system requires all non‑visa nationals to obtain prior digital travel authorisation before entering the UK. This is part of the Home Office’s wider digitalisation plan, and it is generally thought that the UK government would like to keep up with similar global schemes in the USA (ESTA), Australia (ETA) and Canada (ETA), as well as the upcoming introduction of the ETIAS in the EU/Schengen area. 

As British citizens cannot apply for an ETA—and are exempt from it—the UK government has clarified that they must enter the country as British citizens, not as EU or other foreign nationals. The Home Office hopes that this will ensure consistency with digital border processes and prevent confusion at the UK border (where dual nationals arriving on a foreign passport previously could not be reliably distinguished from visitors).

Practical impact

To summarise, these changes mean that dual nationals:

• Will be refused boarding if they attempt to travel using only their non‑British passport;
• Must keep their British passport valid to avoid problems; and
• Should not assume that airlines or ferry companies will exercise discretion, even if they have travelled this way with no issue in the past.

The decision point is now at the departure gate, not the UK border. Carriers can now face penalties and fines if they allow passengers to board without the correct documentation, so they are enforcing these rules much more strictly.

British citizens and entry

Certain individuals who may have recently naturalised or registered as British citizens may not be aware that they cannot simply travel with their certificates. 

A common misconception is that individuals can carry their Certificate of Naturalisation or Registration, alongside their current, valid non-UK passport, and still enter/re-enter the UK.

However, the rules currently in place state that in order to enter the UK as a British citizen, individuals must hold (and travel with) one of the following valid documents:

• A valid British citizen UK passport; or
• A Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in an individual’s valid, current non-UK passport (provided that the passport is valid – if it expires, the individual will need to apply for a new one for their new passport). 

The Home Office’s nationality team have recently reiterated that if an individual travels to the UK without a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement (in their valid, current non-UK passport), they risk being denied boarding or facing significant issues at the border.

What happens if you don’t have a current, valid British passport?

There are a number of options available to you, which include:

1. Applying for or renewing a British passport – this is currently the simplest and least costly route available; or
2. Applying for a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode – this confirms your right of abode and can be placed in your current, valid foreign passport, but it is a more expensive option, and must be reissued with each new passport. This may be a better option for those who are nationals of a country which doesn’t allow dual passports to be held by individuals, for example. 

Who is affected by this change?

The rules apply to all British dual nationals, including those who:

• Have held dual nationality since birth;
• Have acquired another nationality later in life; or
• Naturalised/registered as British citizens while retaining another citizenship.

It is also important to note that the rules do not affect legal citizenship status; they concern only how that status must now be proven whilst travelling to and from the UK from February 2026 onwards. 

Conclusion

• Dual nationals must travel with their British passport when entering/exiting the UK;
• A foreign passport alone is no longer an acceptable proof of entry to the UK;
• A Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode is an alternative but costly option for those who do not wish to hold a British passport;
• These requirements stem from the UK’s digital ETA system, and are being enforced by carriers at the point of check‑in, rather than just at border control; and
• Travelling without the correct documentation could result in refused boarding, denied entry, delays and cancelled journeys.

If you have any questions about your British nationality, or if you would like to discuss your situation with a member of our immigration team, please get in touch.