Exclusive: Frustration over the United Kingdom’s updated entry policies is leading some Australian-British citizens to spend substantial amounts to formally renounce their UK citizenship.
The fee to relinquish your UK citizenship stands at £482, which is roughly $966 per individual.
By giving up citizenship, individuals forfeit the privilege of residing in the UK.
Additionally, they lose the right to UK consular assistance.
Renunciation of British citizenship or status is only possible if you possess another citizenship or are in the process of acquiring one.
Although uncommon, there are circumstances under which British citizenship can be restored, provided certain conditions are fulfilled.
Nine.com.au has contacted the British High Commission and the UK Home Office for comment.
There was an initial grace period while the new ETA was being rolled out, where it was not strictly enforced to give travellers time to adjust. Now, it will be officially enforced at the border.
“We strongly advise dual British citizens to make sure they have a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement, to avoid problems like being denied boarding when travelling to the UK from 25 February 2026,” the UK Home Office states.
“From 25 February 2026, dual British citizens who cannot produce a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement will need to have additional identity checks and will not be able to go through UK passport control until their British nationality is verified.”
A certificate of entitlement proves a person has a right of abode in the UK. You need to apply for a new certificate when your passport expires.
