Strict New Passport Rules for UK Dual Nationals in 2026

British dual citizens living abroad must prepare for a major policy shift regarding home travel. Starting February 25, 2026, the long-standing practice of entering the UK using only a foreign passport will effectively come to an end.

Why the change? As part of the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) rollout, British and Irish citizens are legally exempt from the scheme. However, because they are exempt, they cannot apply for an ETA using their other passport. To prove their right to enter, they must now present a document that verified their citizenship directly.

Travel requirements from February 25, 2026:

• A valid UK passport.
• A valid Irish passport.
• A foreign passport containing a Certificate of Entitlement proving the Right of Abode.

Airlines are expected to enforce a zero-tolerance policy at check-in, as they face heavy fines for carrying passengers without the correct digital or physical proof of nationality.

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