Traveling to the UK? Why British Dual Nationals Need a UK Passport by February 2026
If you are a British citizen who also holds a passport from another country, your travel plans to the UK are about to get more complicated. A recent briefing from the House of Commons Library (CBP-10344) highlights a significant policy shift that could leave many dual nationals stranded at the airport if they aren’t prepared.
Historically, many British dual citizens have traveled to the UK using their non-British passports—especially if they were from “non-visa national” countries like the USA, Canada, or Australia. However, new digital border requirements are bringing that era to a close.
The Big Change: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The UK is rolling out a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. By February 25, 2026, this requirement will be fully applied to all non-visa nationals.
Here is why that matters for you:
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The Eligibility Paradox: You cannot apply for an ETA if you are a British citizen. The system is designed for foreign visitors.
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The Boarding Block: From February 2026, airlines and transport carriers will be required to check for a valid UK visa, an ETA, or a British passport before allowing you to board a flight to the UK.
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The Identification Gap: Since you are a British citizen, you are ineligible for an ETA or a visa. If you present a foreign passport without one of these, the airline’s digital system may flag you as “not cleared for travel.”
Can’t I just show my naturalization certificate?
While a Certificate of Naturalization or Registration is legal proof of your citizenship, the Home Office has clarified that these are not travel documents. They do not contain the biometrics or security features required by airlines to clear you for boarding.
To ensure you can return to the UK without a hitch, the Home Office is now strongly advising dual citizens to carry either:
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A valid British passport.
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A Certificate of Entitlement inside your foreign passport (which proves you have the “Right of Abode” in the UK).
What if I have an emergency?
The Home Office has noted that while there are transitional arrangements leading up to the February 2026 deadline, the “grace period” for using a foreign passport is disappearing. If you have an urgent need to travel after the deadline and do not have a UK passport, you may find it nearly impossible to board a commercial flight, as the automated systems will not recognize your right to enter.
The Bottom Line
The days of “picking and choosing” which passport to use for your UK trip are ending. If you are a dual national living abroad, now is the time to check the expiry date on your British passport—or apply for one if you’ve never had it.
Don’t wait until the February 2026 rush. Ensuring your paperwork is in order today will save you from a digital headache at the check-in desk tomorrow.
