UK Tightens Entry Rules for Dual Citizens: What Changes in February

British dual citizens planning to visit the UK may soon face denied entry if they do not carry the right documents. Under new rules taking effect on 25 February, British nationals living abroad must show a valid UK passport or a certificate of entitlement when entering the country.

Until now, many dual citizens have been able to travel to the UK using a non-British passport, proving their British status later if asked. That flexibility is about to end.

The change affects all British and Irish dual citizens overseas, including those living in EU countries. Anyone without a current UK passport may need to apply for one, at a cost of around £100, just to return home.

The UK Home Office says the move is part of a wider push to digitise the immigration system. From February, border checks will rely more heavily on electronic travel authorisations (ETAs), which officials say will speed up travel for most people while strengthening security.

A Home Office spokesperson said the new system will help authorities better identify travellers, prevent threats from entering the UK, and reduce delays at the border.

For dual citizens, the message is clear: check your passport now. From late February, arriving without proof of British nationality could mean unnecessary delays—or being turned away altogether.

UK Entry Rules Explained: Who Needs What from February

The new entry rules are part of the UK Home Office’s expanding Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Under this scheme, travellers from countries that do not require a visa must obtain an ETA before entering the UK.

However, British and Irish citizens are exempt from ETAs. Because of this exemption, the government now requires them to prove their citizenship status at the border. From 25 February, dual British or Irish citizens must travel using a British or Irish passport, or present a certificate of entitlement to confirm their right to enter the UK.

Who Will Be Affected?

The changes apply to all dual citizens living or travelling outside the UK, regardless of where they are based. This includes dual nationals residing in Europe and beyond.

Those travelling on or before 24 February will not be affected and can still enter the UK using a valid non-British passport, as under the current rules.

After that date, arriving without the correct documentation could lead to delays at the border or refusal of entry, making it essential for dual citizens to prepare in advance.

Why Is the UK Introducing These New Entry Rules?

According to a House of Commons briefing, British citizens are not legally required to travel on a British passport. However, modern pre-departure checks by airlines and transport providers have made it increasingly difficult to enter the UK without one.

For months, the Home Office has advised dual nationals to travel using a British passport, but enforcement was kept flexible to give people time to adapt. That grace period is now coming to an end.

Many dual citizens have questioned why they cannot use other documents—such as an expired British passport, a certificate of naturalisation, or proof of registration as a British citizen—to show their right to enter the UK. The issue, the briefing explains, lies with how border checks work in practice.

These documents are not included in the Home Office’s official document-checking guidance for airlines and ferry operators. Transport carriers are unlikely to accept them because they can face financial penalties for bringing passengers to the UK without the correct paperwork.

In short, the new rules are designed to standardise checks, reduce confusion for carriers, and align border control with the UK’s expanding digital immigration system—even if it means less flexibility for dual citizens.