Starting today, new passport regulations come into effect for those traveling to the United Kingdom. These changes require passengers to present either a valid British or Irish passport or a ‘certificate of entitlement’ when boarding a flight to the UK. The certificate, which costs £589, can take several weeks to obtain.

The Home Office has indicated that airlines may choose to accept expired UK passports at their discretion. However, travelers should be aware that there is no legal assurance of boarding under these circumstances.

British citizens entering the UK must secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they meet specific criteria. Similarly, foreign visitors will also be required to have an ETA. Airlines will deny boarding to passengers who fail to present an ETA, eVisa, or equivalent valid documentation.

The rules also impact British dual nationals. As of February 25, they will no longer be permitted to enter the UK using only a foreign passport.

Foreign visitors to the country will also need an ETA, and airlines will prevent passengers from boarding if they do not have either an ETA, an eVisa or other valid documentation.

The new rules affect British dual nationals, and from February 25, they will not be able to enter the country using only a foreign passport.

So, are you affected by this? Here’s everything you need to know… 

To fly to the UK, dual citizens will need to bring either a valid British or Irish passport

What are the new rules?

Under previous rules which ended yesterday, British dual citizens with a valid passport for one of their nationalities eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) could enter the UK with that foreign passport without an ETA. 

ETAs were brought in last year for citizens of countries that do not need a visa to enter the UK. They are mandatory, digital permission for non-visa nationals visiting or transiting through the UK.

But as of today, British dual nationals must have a valid British or Irish passport with them to be allowed entry into the country of which they are a citizen, even with a valid foreign passport. 

According to the GOV.UK website: ‘Visitors of 85 nationalities, including nationals of the United States, Canada and France, are now legally required to have an ETA when travelling to the UK. 

‘An ETA costs £16, permits multiple journeys, and lasts for two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.’ 

Who is affected by the new rules?

Brits who have a second passport could be affected.

The Home Office explains: ‘British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt from needing an ETA but will be required to present either a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK. 

‘This is the same approach taken by other countries, including the US, Australia and Canada. At their own discretion, carriers may accept some expired British passports as alternative documentation.’

What can dual nationals do?

The first, and likely least expensive and most simple option, is to get a British passport. 

They cost £94.50 online, and have an estimated processing time of three weeks in the UK. 

However, the procedure for British people living abroad takes longer. 

Alternatively, you could get a ‘certificate of entitlement’.

The GOV.UK website explains: ‘You can apply for a certificate of entitlement to prove you have right of abode in the UK. It goes in your passport. 

‘You need to apply for a new certificate when your passport expires. How you apply for a certificate of entitlement depends on whether you’re inside or outside the UK.’

A certificate of entitlement costs £589 in the UK, and you will likely get a decision on your application within eight weeks of applying online and sending in your documents by post.

Which passport do I use when travelling to different countries? 

When travelling to the UK, use your UK passport.

However, when travelling to your foreign residence, you should use your foreign passport for that country.

What is an ETA?

Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are new digital permissions required for non-visa nationals visiting the UK.

According to GOV.UK, as of January 2026, ETA has generated over £383million in revenue which is reinvested in improving the UK’s border and immigration system.

The website explains: ‘The enforcement of the ETA scheme is a significant step towards digitising the immigration system and paves the way for a contactless UK border in the future. 

‘The scheme also helps to keep the border secure, preventing individuals who pose a threat from entering the UK.’