Julia Jackson
- Consultant
- Employment
Urgent travel warning for British dual nationals
If you’re a British citizen who also holds another nationality, there’s an important rule change you cannot ignore.
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is tightening up, and from 25 February 2026, failing to travel with the right passport could stop you from boarding your flight altogether. This is not a small administrative tweak —it’s a fundamental shift in how airlines verify your right to travel.
First thing’s first: what is an ETA?
An ETA is basically official permission to travel to the UK for short visits — up to six months at a time. It’s part of the UK’s move toward digital border processes. But — and this is the crucial bit — you cannot get an ETA if you’re a dual citizen who holds British or Irish citizenship even if your other nationality normally requires one.
That means if you try to travel on your non‑British passport — Australian, Canadian, EU, American, or anything else — the airline’s system will treat you as a foreign traveller who needs an ETA. But because British citizens are not allowed to obtain one, the system will flag you as lacking permission to travel.
And that leads to the major issue that airlines may refuse boarding if you cannot prove you are British. Airlines are legally responsible for checking that passengers have the right permission to travel. If their system cannot see that you are British, you may simply be denied boarding.
The changes as of 25 February
Travel to the UK prior to 25 February may still be possible but after 24 February 2026, that leniency ends.
After 25 February 2026 to avoid problems you must travel with one of the following:
- A valid UK passport (strongly recommended)
- A valid Irish passport
- A foreign passport with a certificate of entitlement showing your right of abode
If you don’t currently hold a valid UK passport, you should apply for one as soon as possible. From 25 February 2026, you may not be allowed to board your transport to the UK without it — or without a certificate of entitlement in your alternative passport.
Many people actually hold British citizenship without realising it. You might automatically be British if:
- You were born in the UK, or
- You have a parent with British citizenship
If in doubt, check your status urgently.
How Wedlake Bell can help
We can help British dual nationals avoid travel disruption under the tightened ETA rules by:
- Confirming your citizenship
- Securing or renewing your UK passport so airline systems recognise your right to travel
- Advising on alternatives, including Certificates of Entitlement
- Reviewing upcoming travel plans to minimise boarding risks once leniency ends
For tailored advice, contact Julia Jackson, our immigration and nationality specialist.
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a comprehensive statement of the law. Specific legal advice should always be sought in relation to individual circumstances.
Meet the team: