British children born overseas could be denied entry to the United Kingdom under new passport regulations, forcing their parents to pay a substantial fee to secure their return. For the first time, all dual citizens, including infants and minors, will be required to present a valid British passport for flights, ferries, or trains entering Britain. Alternatively, they must obtain a 'certificate of entitlement' costing £589 per person.
Imminent Implementation Sparks Backlash
The rules are set to come into force as early as February 25, provoking significant backlash from Britons living abroad who feel blindsided by the sudden change in border controls. Many families have expressed fear and frustration, warning that the new measures could leave them stranded or unable to visit the UK, despite being legal citizens.
Families Facing Border Chaos
One British couple's ten-month-old baby risks being 'turned back at the border' when they depart for New Zealand in just two weeks. The child's grandmother told The Times that their application for documentation was met with a request to send the baby's New Zealand passport, which they refuse to do as it would leave the infant without any travel documents.
The family has attempted to contact the Home Office for clarification but found no dedicated helpline for such inquiries. A visit to the High Commission in New Zealand proved equally futile, with officials reportedly telling them to 'go away' because they 'don't deal with this'.
Widespread Concerns Over Discrimination
Rebecca Witham, who lives in France with her son holding only a French passport, described the rules as 'discrimination' that will 'affect millions' of British citizens with dual nationality. She emphasised that the £589 fee per person could make family visits to the UK financially unfeasible, effectively barring them from a country where they hold legal citizenship.
James, a British-Italian professional born and educated in London, faces a similar predicament. He had booked a business trip to New York departing last Friday but now fears being stranded upon his return after the new rules take effect. Having always travelled freely with his Italian passport for work, he now confronts the possibility of being denied re-entry to the UK.
James told The Guardian: 'I found myself having to travel at short notice and am now facing the idea that I may not be allowed back into the country.' When asked if he would pay the £589 fee, he cited the weeks-long backlog for certificates, making it impossible to obtain one before his scheduled return.
Home Office Defends New Measures
A Home Office spokesperson stated: 'From 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid delays at the border.' They framed the move as part of a broader programme to introduce a 'seamless travel experience', arguing that the rules will grant the Government 'greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration'.
Context of Immigration Debates
The announcement follows controversial remarks by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, who last week claimed the UK had been 'colonised by immigrants'. In an interview with Sky News, he asserted that the population had increased by 12 million in six years, from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million today. He later apologised, with the Prime Minister labelling his comments 'offensive and wrong'. Sir Jim expressed regret, saying he was 'sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe'.
This development also coincides with recent figures showing that the total number of small boat migrants reaching the UK under Sir Keir Starmer's premiership has surpassed 66,000. More migrants have arrived during Starmer's time in Downing Street than under any other prime minister, exceeding the previous high of 65,811 under Boris Johnson. This record was achieved in just over 19 months, compared to three years under Mr Johnson.
The new passport rules, while aimed at tightening border security, have ignited a fierce debate over their impact on families and dual nationals, raising questions about fairness, cost, and the practicalities of implementation as the deadline approaches.
