Major Change in Entry Rules for UK Territory Starting February 25, 2026
As of February 25, 2026, the rules for entering the UK territory will undergo a significant change: all British citizens holding dual nationality will be required to present a valid British passport to enter the United Kingdom. Failure to do so may result in being denied boarding on flights, ferries, or trains, warn British authorities.
New Measure Announced by the Home Office
This new measure, announced by the Home Office, is part of a broader reform of the immigration procedure aimed at modernizing border control after Brexit. Until now, it was possible for certain dual nationals, including those holding a foreign passport exempt from a visa, to enter the UK using the latter. This facilitated right will disappear with the entry into force of the new provisions: dual nationals will be required to travel with a British passport or, alternatively, obtain a Certificate of Entitlement at a high cost of around £589 (approximately €676) affixed to the foreign passport.
Reform Linked to ETA and Digitalization of Borders
This development is part of the complete extension of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which will become mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers as of February 25, 2026. Without a valid ETA (obtained in advance for a cost of around £16), a traveler will not be legally allowed to travel to the UK. British dual nationals, on the other hand, cannot obtain an ETA based on their second nationality since they are considered exempt from immigration formalities. This makes presenting a British passport indispensable.
Increased Security and Modernization of Border Controls
The government explains that this measure is part of an objective to increase security and modernize border controls, ensuring better management of migration flows and more efficient processing of travelers.
Consequences for Dual Nationality Holders
For families or individuals holding British and foreign dual nationality, this new rule may have significant consequences. Many dual nationals living abroad, including some who have never held a British passport, find themselves facing a complex administrative and financial dilemma. Some criticize the late communication of these changes, highlighting that the process of obtaining a new passport can be lengthy, particularly for children born abroad or adults whose British passport has expired.
Concerns and Potential Restrictions on Travel Freedom
In some cases, those who cannot or do not want to pay the price of the Certificate of Entitlement have expressed concerns, stating that this could restrict their freedom to travel to their country of origin. Some have even mentioned cases where dual nationals are considering renouncing their British citizenship due to administrative complications and associated costs.
Role of Transporters and Pre-Boarding Control
An important aspect is that transporters themselves (airlines, ferry operators, or train companies) will be required to verify these documents before boarding. This means that travelers may be denied access to transportation even before reaching the UK border if their documentation does not meet the new requirements.
Mandatory ETA for Visa-Exempt Travelers
In parallel, for French and many other visa-exempt nationals, the ETA will become mandatory for short stays for tourist or professional purposes. Without this electronic authorization, a traveler will not be legally allowed to enter the UK, marking a clear break with previous practices where some could travel without formalities.
Conclusion
As of February 25, 2026, traveling to the UK for a British dual national will no longer be possible without a valid British passport or a costly Certificate of Entitlement. This reform, linked to the strict application of the ETA system and the digitalization of borders, aims to strengthen security but is already raising concerns among dual nationals and their families abroad.
