With the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening today (23 July), Australia’s Smartraveller portal is reminding travellers to the United Kingdom to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ and plan well ahead. While the underlying advisory level for the UK remains unchanged, the notice highlights expected strains on accommodation, rail networks and airport security queues during the 10-day sporting event. Key mobility issues include visa-free entry rules for Australian passport holders, and stricter documentation rules for dual Australian-British or Australian-Irish citizens. DFAT warns that airlines have denied boarding to dual nationals who attempted to travel on Australian passports without a valid UK Certificate of Entitlement. Corporate travel managers should cross-check that employees with secondary citizenships carry the correct passport. The advisory also reminds visitors of the UK’s ‘severe’ terrorism threat level and the potential for protests around high-profile venues. Businesses sending VIP delegations should liaise with venue organisers regarding accreditation passes and consider private ground transport to avoid road closures near Hampden Park and the Games Village. Travellers transiting London en route to continental Europe may experience baggage-handling delays as handling staff are redeployed to Glasgow. Smartraveller suggests allowing at least three hours for flight connections and monitoring National Rail for strike notices. Organisations with time-sensitive meetings should build in contingency days or consider virtual participation.
Source: DFAT – Smartraveller
