From February 25, dual British nationals visiting the UK will need a valid British passport or a £589 certificate of entitlement to enter the country, under new border rules. The change affects approximately 1.2 million dual citizens worldwide.
Previously, dual nationals could enter the UK using their foreign passport free of charge. Now, without a British passport or the certificate, they may be refused boarding or face delays at the border. The certificate of entitlement is affixed to the foreign passport and costs £589.
The new requirement coincides with the introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) for other visitors. British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from needing an ETA, but must still comply with the passport or certificate rule.
Critics argue the changes were poorly communicated and implemented at short notice, raising concerns about disrupted holidays or business trips. The Home Office stated that public information has been available since October 2024, and a communications campaign has been running since 2023.
ETAs, costing £16 for two years, are part of a broader digital immigration system aimed at improving border security, similar to systems in the US and Australia. The government plans to increase the ETA fee to £20 in the future.
