Travel writer Simon Calder has published a detailed Q&A setting out exactly how the UK’s forthcoming dual-citizen passport rules will work in practice. From 25 February 2026, dual nationals must enter the UK on a British or Irish passport—or carry a pricey £589 certificate of entitlement—because the ETA system cannot recognise British citizens travelling on a foreign document.
Calder notes that many long-term UK expats habitually use a non-UK passport because their British passport has lapsed or because it is faster and cheaper to renew abroad. The new reality is that airlines will deny boarding if a traveller’s passport triggers an ETA requirement but no ETA is on file. As certificates cost six times more than a standard adult passport (£94.50) and must be replaced each time a foreign passport is renewed, most people will opt to apply for a UK passport—even though overseas processing can take several weeks and requires an in-person biometric appointment.
![New dual-citizen passport rules explained: what Britons overseas must do before 25 February]()
The article offers practical work-arounds—such as checking in online with the correct document, or splitting outbound and inbound tickets between passports—but concludes that these hacks will no longer satisfy carrier systems configured to the new Home Office rules. Families with children who have yet to obtain a first UK passport are urged to act immediately; otherwise the youngsters could be refused travel during Easter holidays.
For corporate mobility teams the checklist is simple: audit your globally mobile talent database for dual nationals, budget for passport renewals, and update travel policies to reflect the absolute requirement for a UK (or Irish) passport on UK-bound legs after 25 February.
Calder notes that many long-term UK expats habitually use a non-UK passport because their British passport has lapsed or because it is faster and cheaper to renew abroad. The new reality is that airlines will deny boarding if a traveller’s passport triggers an ETA requirement but no ETA is on file. As certificates cost six times more than a standard adult passport (£94.50) and must be replaced each time a foreign passport is renewed, most people will opt to apply for a UK passport—even though overseas processing can take several weeks and requires an in-person biometric appointment.
The article offers practical work-arounds—such as checking in online with the correct document, or splitting outbound and inbound tickets between passports—but concludes that these hacks will no longer satisfy carrier systems configured to the new Home Office rules. Families with children who have yet to obtain a first UK passport are urged to act immediately; otherwise the youngsters could be refused travel during Easter holidays.
For corporate mobility teams the checklist is simple: audit your globally mobile talent database for dual nationals, budget for passport renewals, and update travel policies to reflect the absolute requirement for a UK (or Irish) passport on UK-bound legs after 25 February.
Source: The Independent
