Avoid Airport Anxiety: Check your passport can be used for travel to the UK – Rules change significantly on 25 February 2026, especially dual-nationals

Planning a trip to the UK? Failing to read further could leave you stranded at the airport. UK travel document rules will now be strictly enforced by airlines and people will be denied boarding, even British citizens. Here's what you need to know to avoid travel travesty.  

From 25 February 2026, the UK Government will fully enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme, fundamentally changing who can use which passport to enter the United Kingdom. The new "no permission, no travel" policy means airlines, ferry operators and train companies will turn away passengers who lack the correct documentation before they leave their departure point. 

What dual nationals must know – renew your British passport

If you hold both British (or Irish) citizenship and another nationality, pay close attention. From 25 February, you must enter the UK using either a valid (i.e. in date, not expired) British or Irish passport or another passport with a ‘certificate of entitlement’ attached. Previously, British dual nationals could use their foreign passport from visa-waiver countries (like European countries, the US, Canada, Australia) to enter the UK for up to six months. That convenience ends next week.

Example – Elsa is dual British-French. Her British passport expired in December 2025. She uses the Eurostar every other month. She travelled to the UK in November 2025 with no problems with her valid French passport and her expired British passport. She enters the UK in March 2026 next. If she does not renew her British passport or get a sticker in her French passport (a certificate of entitlement), she will not be able to get on the Eurostar. 

The certificate of entitlement, proving a right of abode in the UK, costs £589 and takes around 2 months to process. Renewing a British passport costs around £100 and takes between 1 and 6 weeks. 

The UK immigration authorities have said that dual-British nationals cannot apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in their non-British/Irish passport to circumnavigate this issue.

The ETA requirement explained

The rule change stems from the UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation system. An ETA is digital permission to travel to the UK, required by visitors who don't need a visa for short stays, like the US’s ESTA requirement. It currently costs £16 (going up to £20 soon), permits multiple journeys over two years or until the expiry of the passport, and most applications receive an automatic decision within minutes. 

However, British and Irish dual nationals cannot apply for an ETA on their non-UK passport. The system simply doesn't allow it. This creates the requirement for up-to-date British or Irish documentation instead. From 25 February, carriers will strictly enforce these rules, checking documentation before allowing passengers to board. 

Those eligible for an ETA should apply at least three working days before travel through the UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website. Applicants need their passport, an email address, a photo complying with digital photo rules, and payment by credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. The application requires answering questions about suitability and criminality. ETAs are needed for all travellers to the UK, even children. 

If you have Settled or Pre-Settled Status

Those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need an ETA. Your immigration status already grants you permission to enter the UK. However, you must ensure your UK Visas and Immigration account is completely up-to-date, particularly if you have a new passport. If your eves account contains outdated passport details, you will face border friction and a frantic search for Wi-Fi to update your details, even though you don't need an ETA.

If you have a visa sticker in an old passport or expired BRP card

Entry to the UK for non-British/Irish nationals now requires a digital visa or ETA. If you have an ‘old-style’ visa sticker (vignette) or expired Biometric Residence Permit then you may need to submit an application to apply for an e-visa. This can be complicated if you have been absent from the UK for some time and will require advice and assistance. 

Exemptions

Irish passport holders remain exempt from ETA requirements and can continue to travel freely between the UK and Ireland, provided their passport is still valid. The Common Travel Area arrangements between the UK and Ireland remain unchanged. 

Legal residents of Ireland from nationalities that don't normally require a UK visa also shouldn’t need an ETA when travelling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area, provided they can show proof of legal Irish residency. This exemption requires physical evidence of Irish residence if requested.

British Overseas Territories Citizens travelling on a BOTC passport do not require an ETA. Those exempt from immigration control similarly don't need authorisation. 

The bottom line

Don't leave checking your documentation until you're packing. The UK's new border rules require a proactive approach. Dual nationals should apply for or renew British passports immediately. Those requiring an ETA should apply at least three working days before travel. Those with pre-settled or settled status must verify their eVisa details are linked to their current passport. Those with visa stickers in old passports or expired BRP cards should get in touch to digitalise their visas. 

Immigration law and practice is subject to an ever-increasing number of changes. If you require advice and assistance, please contact Paul McCarthy for a fee-paid consultation: paul.mccarthy@crsblaw.com.