A British father has been left stranded on a Greek island after airline staff refused to allow him to board a flight home, despite having lived in the United Kingdom for virtually his entire life. Kyle Harris, 39, was on holiday in Kefalonia with his wife Ruth, 40, and their two sons when he was barred from a Jet2 flight because he was travelling on his American passport.
Strict New Border Rules
The incident stems from changes implemented by the Home Office in February, which tightened requirements for dual-national British citizens returning to the UK. Previously, dual nationals could enter the country using their second passport. Now, they must present a valid UK or Irish passport or obtain a ‘certificate of entitlement’ costing £589. Mr Harris, who was born in Maryland to a British mother and an American father working for the RAF, has lived in South Yorkshire since he was a baby and has never held a British passport.
Family's Ordeal
Ruth Harris took to Facebook to express her distress, writing: “Imagine being told your husband can’t come home to the UK – despite living there for 39 years, paying 24 years of tax and national insurance, attending nursery, primary and secondary school, raising British children and building his entire life there.” She added that the family was not warned about the rule change during booking, travel, or check-in, and described feeling “unwelcome” and “forgotten”.
The situation is further complicated by Mr Harris’s medical needs; he requires medication for a pituitary tumour, which is difficult to access while abroad. The family has contacted the British consulate in Greece and the Foreign Office, submitting extensive documentation including tax records and birth certificates to prove his right to reside in the UK.
Response from Authorities
A Jet2 spokesperson stated: “We’re sorry to hear about Mr Harris’s experience. Our cabin crew acted in accordance with government legislation and sought guidance from the Home Office, as the passenger did not have the correct documentation at the time of travel. We advise all customers to check Foreign Office travel requirements before travelling.”
The Home Office has defended the changes, claiming they are part of efforts to digitise border control and give the government “greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country”. However, critics argue that the lack of communication has left many dual nationals unaware of the new requirements.
The Mirror has approached the Home Office and Foreign Office for further comment.
