UK Travel Update: Temporary Passport Guidance for Dual British & Irish Citizens

As you may have heard, the UK has introduced new entry requirements under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system from 25 February 2026 to strengthen border checks and make travel eligibility clearer before arrival.

For dual British or Irish citizens, this means travelling with the correct passport is now essential. But, what if your UK passport has expired?

In a move aimed at easing concerns for travellers facing the prospect of being unable to board flights, ferries or trains – and the resulting last-minute rush to renew passports – the UK government has now issued temporary guidance for carriers (including airlines, ferry operators and international rail providers).

So what does this actually mean for dual citizens? Here’s what you need to know – and how these changes could affect your travel plans…

ETA Travel Changes

From 25 February 2026, dual British or Irish citizens are expected to travel using:

• A valid UK passport
• A valid Irish passport
• Or a foreign passport with a Certificate of Entitlement

You cannot apply for an ETA if you are a British or Irish citizen.

That means travelling solely on a non-UK/Irish passport without the correct documentation could result in:

• Refused boarding at departure
• Refused entry at the UK border

The New Temporary Guidance for Carriers

The UK Home Office has updated its guidance so that under temporary arrangements, carriers may allow dual British or Irish nationals to travel to the UK if they hold:

• An expired UK passport (issued in 1989 or later), and
• A valid passport from a nationality eligible for an ETA

However, the following conditions apply:

• • The personal details on both passports must match exactly
  • The decision to allow boarding is entirely at the carrier’s discretion

• Travellers may face additional identity checks at UK border control
• This is not a guaranteed right to travel

This flexibility is intended to ease the transition to the new ETA system, but will not be a long term solution.

What do I do now?

If you previously held a UK passport, here’s what to check:

• Was it issued in 1989 or later?
• Is your second passport valid and from an ETA-eligible country?
• Do the personal details on both passports match exactly?

Even if you meet these conditions, boarding remains at the airline or carrier’s discretion.

If needed, you can apply for:

• A new UK passport
• An Emergency Travel Document

Note: Be prepared for additional identity checks on arrival if travelling under temporary guidance.

The bottom line

While temporary carrier guidance offers some breathing room for dual citizens with expired UK passports, it is not guaranteed and may not remain in place indefinitely.

If you’re planning to travel to the UK in 2026, renewing your UK or Irish passport now is the most secure way to protect your journey.

Prepare early, travel smoothly, and avoid last-minute airport surprises.

✔ Check whether your UK or Irish passport is valid
✔ Renew early – processing times may increase as demand rises
✔ Avoid relying on expired passport arrangements
✔ Ensure you book and check in using the correct passport details

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