UK passport rules for dual nationals change from 25 February

From 25 February dual nationals will need to use a British passport or a certificate of entitlement to enter the UK as part of the Electronic Travel Authorisation rollout; the Home Office says information has been public since October 2024.

New rules on passport use for British dual nationals take effect on 25 February. The change is part of the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and wider immigration reforms. Under the new approach, dual nationals cannot use a foreign passport to enter and must show a British passport or a certificate of entitlement. Some people who learned of the change late have reported difficulty arranging documents while abroad. Key reported points: - The Home Office says public information on the requirement has been available since October 2024 and that the change aligns with approaches used by other countries. - From 25 February dual nationals will be required to present either a British passport or a certificate of entitlement rather than a passport issued by another country. - Campaign groups and individuals have reported late awareness of the change and raised concerns about travellers who are abroad and may not have the required documents. Summary: The Home Office links the change to the ETA rollout and says guidance has been public since October 2024. The new documentation requirement takes effect on 25 February; arrangements for people currently abroad without the required documents are undetermined at this time.