The UK Home Office has announced that dual British nationals could be refused entry into the United Kingdom from 25 February 2026 if they travel without a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement. The move is part of new border control measures aimed at tightening immigration checks and digitising travel systems.
Under updated travel requirements, anyone travelling to the UK must obtain prior permission unless they are British or Irish citizens or fall under specific exemptions. Short-term visitors are now required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), costing £16.
However, dual nationals will no longer be permitted to rely solely on their non-British passport. From 25 February 2026, they must either present a valid British passport or secure a certificate of entitlement — a document costing £589 that must be attached to their foreign passport to board a flight, ferry, or train to the UK.
A spokesperson for the UK Home Office stated, “From 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to avoid delays at the border.” The department said the policy forms part of a broader effort to streamline travel while strengthening border security and immigration oversight.
The announcement has drawn criticism from affected individuals who argue the change was poorly communicated and imposes a heavy financial burden, particularly on families.
The EU citizens’ rights advocacy group The 3 million has urged the government to reconsider the cost and complexity of the requirement. Monique Hawkins, head of policy and advocacy at the organisation, said the UK should introduce a low-cost, one-time travel authorisation system similar to Canada’s model.
“We urge the government to act swiftly to ensure British citizens are not effectively locked out of their own country,” she said.
The United Kingdom has been gradually implementing digital border systems in recent years, including ETA requirements for various nationalities. The latest measure expands documentation requirements specifically for dual British citizens, aligning with the government’s broader immigration and security reforms.
Travellers are advised to review documentation requirements carefully before departure to avoid disruption.
