The Home Office has announced an important update for individuals with dual British citizenship travelling to the UK.
Starting 25 February 2026, travel rules for dual British citizens are changing significantly due to the full rollout of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
Previously, many dual citizens travelled to the UK using their non-British passport (such as a US, Australian, or EU passport). From 25 February, this will no longer be possible unless that passport contains a Certificate of Entitlement.
This change is part of the full roll-out of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which requires carriers (like airlines) to verify a passenger's permission to enter the UK digitally before they board.
From the deadline, individuals must present one of the following to board transport to the UK:
In line with temporary guidance, carriers (such as airlines and ferry companies) may allow you to travel if you have both:
The personal details on both passports must match.
It is the carrier’s decision whether to allow you to travel with the above documents if you are unable to present the key required documents, such as a British Passport, valid Irish passport or a CoE.
Coinciding with this deadline, the UK is moving toward digital status. If you apply for a CoE now, it will likely be issued as a digital record linked to your foreign passport via a UKVI account, rather than a physical sticker. This allows you to update your passport details online for free in the future.
This change does not affect an individual’s right to enter the UK as a British Citizen. The issue is operational, as carriers may refuse boarding if the correct documentation is not presented at check in.
For employers, the practical risk is disruption at the point of departure. If an employee (or a family member travelling with them) arrives at check-in with only a non-British passport, the carrier’s digital checks may not recognise a right to travel and boarding may be refused, potentially leaving them delayed overseas.
Employers may therefore want to consider:
For a deeper discussion regarding the above or if you need advice on how these changes might impact your workforce, please reach out to a member of our immigration team here.
The information on this site about legal matters is provided as a general guide only. Although we try to ensure that all of the information on this site is accurate and up to date, this cannot be guaranteed. The information on this site should not be relied upon or construed as constituting legal advice and Howes Percival LLP disclaims liability in relation to its use. You should seek appropriate legal advice before taking or refraining from taking any action.
To contact us, please fill out this form and we will get back in touch as soon as possible. Your personal data will be processed in accordance with our privacy policy which can be found here.
Thank you for your enquiry. We will respond as soon as possible.
