From 25 February 2026, the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme became mandatory for travellers seeking to enter the UK who do not hold British or Irish citizenship or an existing UK visa. This means that so-called non-visa nationals - including citizens of the United States and Australia - who previously obtained leave to enter as visitors on arrival must now secure an ETA before travelling.
The ETA is a digital pre-travel permission, similar in concept to the US ESTA. It is linked electronically to a passport and allows the UK authorities to carry out security and immigration checks before an individual boards a flight. Without a valid ETA (or alternative immigration status), carriers may refuse boarding.
Why this matters for dual nationals
This development has particular consequences for dual nationals who hold British citizenship alongside another nationality but do not currently hold a British passport. There are many reasons why a British national may not hold a passport. A dual national may have held British nationality from birth, but has never needed to evidence it via a passport or has opted not renew a passport for a number of years.
Alternatively, British nationality may have been acquired by naturalisation or registration later in life. Applying for a British passport is a separate process once the certificate of nationality or registration has been obtained. Some newly naturalised citizens delay applying for their first British passport — often because they are frequent travellers and do not wish to send away their existing passport during the application process.
Until 25 February 2026, this has not generally posed a practical difficulty. Dual nationals were able to travel to the UK using their non-British passport and obtain entry on arrival as Immigration officials could carry out checks to verify their nationality or they could use an automated passport gate.
That position has now changed as now everyone must have some form of authorisation, whether that is an ETA, visa or British/Irish passport, to allow entry to the UK. The government has confirmed that British citizens - including dual nationals - cannot apply for an ETA. Instead, they must demonstrate their right to enter the UK as a British citizen. In practical terms, this means they will need either:
- A valid British passport, or
- A Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (often referred to as a “Certificate of Entitlement”)
The risk at the boarding gate
The immediate risk for dual nationals is not necessarily refusal at the UK border, but refusal to board.
Under the UK’s carriers’ liability regime, airlines and other transport operators are required to check that passengers hold appropriate permission before travel. If an individual who is in fact a British citizen attempts to travel on their other nationality passport without an ETA - and without a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement - the airline may refuse carriage.
The government has issued temporary guidance confirming that carriers may exercise discretion to carry an individual where:
- The individual holds an expired UK passport issued in 1989 or later
- The individual holds a valid passport issued by an ETA-eligible country
- The personal details on both passports match
However, this is discretionary as the final decision on boarding is left to the carrier.
What is a Certificate of Entitlement?
A Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode is formal confirmation that a person has the right of abode in the UK - meaning they are free from immigration control and cannot be refused entry.
Historically, this was issued as a vignette (sticker) placed in a passport. Certificates are now being issued in digital form, linked to the holder’s passport.
The current fee for a Certificate of Entitlement is £589, compared with approximately £100 for a standard adult British passport. Processing times can vary and should be factored into travel planning.
It is important to note that a Certificate of Entitlement can only be obtained if the applicant does not already hold a British passport.
What action should dual nationals take?
Dual nationals effectively have two options:
1. Apply for a British passport
This may be a first passport application following naturalisation, or a renewal if a passport has previously been held. Processing times can take several weeks, and in some cases supporting documents (including other passports) may need to be submitted. Applications should therefore be made well in advance of intended travel.
2. Apply for a Certificate of Entitlement
If a British passport is not held, a Certificate of Entitlement can be obtained to evidence the right of abode. While significantly more expensive than a passport application, the digitised process may be smoother and potentially quicker.
In either case, forward planning is essential. Attempting to resolve status at short notice may result in cancelled or postponed travel.
What employers need to consider
Many employers may have limited visibility of which employees are dual nationals and therefore affected by these changes. Those most likely to be impacted include:
- Frequent business travellers who have delayed applying for a British passport
- Employees based overseas who may be less aware of UK immigration developments
- Globally mobile staff travelling to the UK at short notice
For organisations with an internationally mobile workforce, proactive communication is advisable. Circulating guidance and encouraging affected staff to regularise their documentation in advance of travel could help avoid disruption, missed business engagements, and additional costs
The expansion and enforcement of the ETA scheme form part of the UK’s broader move toward digital border control. While British citizens themselves are not subject to the ETA requirement, dual nationals must now ensure they can properly evidence their citizenship status before boarding a flight - or risk being turned away before they even reach the UK border.
