Dual Nationals Take Note: UK Travel Rules Changed on 25 February 2026

From 25 February 2026, important procedural changes came into force affecting how dual citizens travel to the United Kingdom.

While there has been no change to the legal right of British citizens to enter the UK, there has been a significant operational shift in how that right must be evidenced when travelling.

What Has Changed?

As part of the full rollout of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) framework, carriers are now required to verify a passenger’s permission to travel before boarding.

For dual nationals, this means:

• You cannot rely solely on your non-British passport to travel to the UK.
• Airlines and other carriers must see proof of your right of entry at check-in.
• Without appropriate documentation, you may be refused boarding overseas.

What Documentation Is Required?

Dual British citizens must travel with one of the following:

• A valid British passport (the most straightforward option);
• A valid Irish passport (where applicable); or
• A new digital version of the Certificate of Entitlement confirming right of abode.

British citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement. However, if travelling on a foreign passport alone, carriers cannot verify that exemption, which creates practical risk.

Why This Matters

This change, introduced by the UK Government, does not remove citizenship rights. It changes how those rights must be demonstrated in a digitised border system.

The key issue is carrier-level compliance. The decision point is no longer at the UK border — it is at the departure gate.

Practical Takeaway 

If you hold dual nationality and plan to travel to the UK:

• Ensure your British passport is valid and in date.
• Do not assume your other passport will be sufficient.
• Plan ahead to avoid disruption to business or personal travel.

For employers, mobility teams and internationally mobile professionals, this is a reminder that citizenship status and travel documentation must be actively managed, not assumed.

If you would like to discuss how this affects employees or family members, feel free to reach out.