UK Entry Requirements Change for British Dual Citizens from February 2026

Starting 25 February 2026, British dual nationals will face new entry requirements when arriving in the UK, following the mandatory rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.

What's Changing for British Dual Citizens

Currently, British dual nationals can enter and exit the UK using their foreign passport. From 25 February 2026, dual British citizens arriving without valid proof of British citizenship will:

Risk being refused boarding by their airline, ferry or rail operator (GOV.UK)
Face additional identity checks at the border until British nationality is verified

To avoid delays, dual British citizens should travel with either:

A valid British or Irish passport, or
A Certificate of Entitlement

Understanding the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The new requirements are tied to the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation system:

Cost: £16 (the Home Office plans to increase this to £20 in the future)
Required for: Visitors who do not need a visa for short UK stays and do not already hold UK immigration status
Validity: Multiple journeys for 2 years or until passport expires (whichever comes first), with stays up to 6 months per visit
Mandatory from: 25 February 2026 – travellers without an ETA will not be able to board transport to the UK

British and Irish citizens are exempt from ETA requirements and cannot apply for one. This means dual British citizens entering on a foreign passport must provide proof of British citizenship at the border to avoid delays.

Certificate of Entitlement: Costs and Requirements

For dual citizens who prefer to use their foreign passport when entering the UK, a Certificate of Entitlement is required:

Cost: £589
Renewal: Must be renewed whenever a new passport is issued

Update, September 2026: since 8 April 2026 an ETA costs £20 and a standard adult British passport applied for online from the UK costs £102. Since 26 February 2026 the Certificate of Entitlement is issued as a digital record that no longer expires with your passport. See our guide on which passport to use as a dual citizen for the current position.

Considering a British Passport Instead

For many dual citizens, obtaining or renewing a British passport may be the more cost-effective option:

Cost: £94.50 for a standard online adult application
Note: Processing may take longer and cost more when applying from overseas

Irish Passport Exception

Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement. This means British-Irish dual citizens can continue entering the UK using a valid Irish passport without needing a Certificate of Entitlement.

How to Apply for an ETA

For those who need an ETA, applications can be made through:

The UK ETA app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store)
GOV.UK website for those without smartphone access
Most applications receive an automatic decision within minutes
The government recommends applying at least 3 working days before travel

Planning Ahead for Dual Citizens

With the implementation date less than five weeks away, British dual nationals should assess their travel documents and determine which option best suits their circumstances:

Renew or obtain a British passport – Most cost-effective for regular travellers
Apply for a Certificate of Entitlement – May be suitable for those who already have a valid foreign passport and travel infrequently
Use an Irish passport – Available option for British-Irish dual citizens

Paramount Visas' Guidance

These changes highlight the increasing complexity of international travel documentation. For British dual nationals living abroad who travel frequently, early planning is essential to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

GOV.UK sets out the options for British dual nationals, including when a Certificate of Entitlement applies. For questions about your own right of abode, speak to a registered immigration adviser.

If you need a British passport renewed before you travel, or visas for onward international trips, Paramount Visas' personal applications service can help. Get in touch with any questions.