Under the previous framework, British dual nationals who held a nationality from a UK visa exempt country were permitted to enter the UK by presenting their foreign passport at the border. However, since the implementation of the new system on 25 February 2026, a foreign passport alone is no longer sufficient and may result in significant delay at the border.
New Rules from 25 February 2026
Now that the new system has been implemented, British dual nationals are prohibited from entering the UK with their foreign passport, whether or not this has been issued from a visa exempt country and was previously accepted. Instead, they must present one of the following documents:
- A valid British or Irish passport;
- A certificate of entitlement for the right to abode in the UK.
Although the new rule will impact all British dual nationals, it will particularly have an impact on naturalized citizens who have never obtained a British passport and previously relied upon their foreign passport when re-entering the UK. Likewise, it may have an impact on dual nationals living outside the UK who have not returned for some time and may not have a valid UK passport.
It has been advised that individuals who are eligible to obtain a British/Irish passport or a certificate if entitlement do so, in order to avoid any delay or inconvenience at the border, although this process should be completed within good time before travel.
Electronic Travel Authorisation System (ETA)
As a reminder, an ETA is a digital authorisation allowing visitors to travel to the UK who do not already have valid UK immigration status, an entry visa or are not intending to be in the UK for more than 6 months. British dual nationals are not permitted to apply for an ETA and do not need one to re-enter the UK.
Travelling without a Valid British Passport
In some limited circumstances, an airline may allow a British dual national to travel with an expired UK passport if individual holds:
- an expired UK passport, issued in 1989 or later;
- a valid passport for one of the nationalities that can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
The personal details on both passports must match and it is at the airline’s discretion whether they will let the individual travel.
If an individual has previously held a British passport, in limited circumstances they may be able to apply for an emergency document: Travel urgently from abroad without your UK passport: Who can apply – GOV.UK.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.
Erickson UK Limited
Company Registration No. 15115518
Registered Office: 10 Finsbury Square London, England, EC2A 1AF
IAA Registration No. F202432681