19/02/2026
๐จ NEW UK ENTRY RULES โ Dual British Citizens, Take Note! ๐ฌ๐งโ๏ธ
If youโre a British citizen and hold another passport, this is important.
Starting 25 February 2026, the UK will strictly require ALL British citizens to enter the UK using a valid British passport โ no exceptions.
Even if:
Your British passport is expired โ
Youโve always traveled on your foreign passport โ
Youโve never actually applied for a British passport before โ
You will NOT be allowed to enter the UK as a British citizen without proper British documentation.
Hereโs what you need to know:
๐น Dual nationals must travel on a valid British passport when entering the UK.
๐น If you donโt have one, youโll need a Certificate of Entitlement in your foreign passport (cost: ยฃ589, processing time: up to 6 weeks).
๐น Airlines can refuse boarding if you cannot prove your right of entry. An expired British passport does not count.
๐น The UK ETA system does NOT apply to British citizens. You cannot use an ETA instead of a British passport.
๐ถ Parents โ this applies to your children too.
If your child was born outside the UK and is British by descent, they must also travel with:
A valid British passport, OR
A Certificate of Entitlement
Their foreign passport alone will no longer be enough.
If you or your family live abroad and are planning a trip to the UK in 2026 or beyond, now is the time to check passports and apply early. Delays could disrupt travel plans.
Donโt wait until youโre at the airport to find out the rules have changed.
