UK Travel Change for Dual Citizens

The below information is extremely important for anyone travelling to or through the UK who:

• Is a UK national
• Is an Irish national
• Has one (or more) parents from either the UK or Ireland

From 25 February 2026, the UK is changing how dual nationals can enter the country. If you hold British or Irish citizenship alongside another passport, you’ll need to travel on a valid UK or Irish passport when heading to the UK – or you could be stopped at check-in or refused entry at the border.

If you’ve been travelling this way for years, this is a major change. Airlines will be enforcing it before you even board, so turning up with the wrong passport could mean missing your flight altogether.

Both the UK and Ireland consider children of British/Irish citizens to also be citizens by default. This applies even when the traveller has never had a British/Irish passport or registered in any way for citizenship. There are differing rules depending on when the person was born and where their parent/s were born. If you have one (or more) parent that is a UK/Irish citizen or was born in the UK or Ireland, please ensure that you are across the new rules and are travelling on the correct passport.

Please note that these changes may also apply to transiting through the UK, even if you are just changing planes. There is mixed information available regarding international to international transits through the UK.

If the UK features in your travel plans for 2026, here’s what you need to know…

Wrong passport = No entry

Until now, many dual nationals travelling to the UK could enter on a non-UK passport – for example, an Australian, Canadian, or New Zealand passport – provided they qualified for visa-free entry or entry with an ETA.

However, from 25 February 2026 this stops. If you’re a dual citizen, you must use one of the following:

• • • A valid UK passport
    • A valid Irish passport
    • A valid foreign passport with a Certificate of Entitlement (a document proving you have the right of abode in the UK)

If you don’t have one of these, airlines may refuse boarding and UK authorities may deny entry at the border.

Why the change?

The UK is rolling out the new Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system to strengthen border checks and make travel eligibility clearer before arrival.

Only travellers with UK or Irish citizenship are exempt from needing an ETA. But if you are a dual citizen and don’t present the right passport, you cannot get an ETA – and that means there’s no recognised way for you to enter under the new system without the correct travel document.

What this means for Dual Citizen travellers

Before 25 February 2026

If you travel before the deadline, you can still use your non-UK passport (e.g. Australian, US, Canadian) with a valid UK ETA visa.

After 25 February 2026

• • • Fly on a UK passport
    • Fly on an Irish passport
    • Fly on another passport with a Certificate of Entitlement

What Should Dual Citizens Do Now?

• • 1. Check your passports: Ensure your UK or Irish passport is valid and will be valid on your travel dates.
    2. Apply early: Passport processing times can vary – don’t leave it to the last minute.
    3. Consider a Certificate of Entitlement: If for some reason you can’t get a passport in time, this document proves your right to live in the UK and can be used for travel.

If you’re unsure of how this change might apply to your personal circumstances, such as nationality, citizenship or passport eligibility, please visit the
UK Government guidance on dual citizenship.

For further information about the ETA process, please visit gov.uk/eta

If you’re planning travel to the UK in 2026 as a dual UK/Irish citizen, these changes are essential to your itinerary — missing the right passport could disrupt flights or border checks.

Take action now to renew or prepare your travel documents, and head into 2026 with confidence on your next journey!

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