Calling all British (and Irish) dual citizens
Are you or your children dual citizens (British and something else) who plan to travel to the UK in the near future?
From 25th February 2026 there will be stricter checks at the UK border AND there will be CARRIER CHECKS (before boarding).
If you are a dual citizen (British and something else); from 25 February 2026, you will not be able to enter the UK without a:
- valid UK or Irish passport
- OR a very expensive certificate of entitlement (£589), which from 26th February 2026 may be available in Digital Format.
For URGENT travel (e.g. less than 6 weeks away), British Citizens without a UK passport, may be able to apply for an Emergency Travel DocumentEmergency Travel Document The Emergency Travel Document (sometimes also called an Emergency Passport) is issued for British citizens abroad who need to travel who do not have a passport for travel (e.g. due to loss/theft/expiry of their previous travel document) and are unable to apply for one in time. Full eligibility criteria can be found on the section of the UK Government Website about Emergency Travel Documents. (£125), but that is usually valid for a single trip or a limited period.
Applying for a British (or Irish) passport in advance will likely be the cheapest option.
UK Home Office rules mean you cannot apply for an ETA; doing so is likely to be a breach of UK Immigration law.
Useful Links
- .GOV.UK Overseas Passport Applications
- UK Home Office Guidance dual citzens
- UK Emergency Travel Document
- the3million FAQ Dual Citizens
- Independent Article Dual Citizens
- House of Commons Research Briefing Dual Citizens
- BiA Article ETA