New travel authorization rules require valid British passports for dual nationals returning to the UK
British citizens living abroad face unexpected costs and potential travel disruption due to changes in the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which comes into full effect on February 25, 2026.
Understanding the New ETA Requirements
The UK government has implemented stricter entry requirements that significantly impact dual nationals with expired British passports. Under previous rules, British expats could enter the UK using their second nationality passport alongside an expired British passport as proof of citizenship.
This flexibility has now ended. The new ETA system mandates that all British citizens, including dual nationals, must present a valid British passport when entering the country.
The Financial Impact on Expats
The policy change creates substantial financial burden for British citizens abroad:
- Passport renewal costs: Up to £120 per person for overseas renewals
- ETA cost comparison: Just £16 for an electronic travel authorization
- Family impact: Couples or families face costs exceeding £250 for multiple renewals
This represents nearly eight times the cost of obtaining an ETA, affecting an estimated hundreds of thousands of British expats worldwide.
Real-World Impact: The Expat Experience
Mike Thompson, a British businessman who relocated to New Zealand 26 years ago, exemplifies the challenges facing dual nationals. Planning to return to the UK in May 2025, Thompson discovered his expired British passport would no longer suffice for entry, despite his New Zealand citizenship.
Thompson reports awareness of thousands of dual-national British citizens attempting to navigate the system using their non-British passports, potentially risking travel complications or airline boarding denials.
What is the UK ETA System?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation system represents a comprehensive digital border control measure requiring travelers to:
- Submit biographical and biometric data before arrival
- Provide detailed contact information and travel plans
- Undergo automated screening against criminal and immigration watch lists
- Complete pre-arrival security checks
The system aims to facilitate “contactless” travel while enhancing border security, according to UK authorities.
Who Needs an ETA?
Starting February 25, 2026, visitors from 85 countries must obtain an ETA before entering the UK, including citizens of:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- France and other European nations
Important exception: British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA but must travel on valid passports.
Legal Questions and Concerns
Critics, including affected expats, argue the new requirements may conflict with the Immigration Act of 1971, which guarantees British citizens can enter the country “without let or hindrance.”
Thompson and others contend that forcing citizens to renew expensive documents to exercise their fundamental right of entry may exceed the original legislative intent.
Official Government Position
Mike Tapp, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, defends the ETA system as providing “greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country” while improving understanding of migration patterns.
A Home Office spokesperson clarified: “British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, do not need an ETA and should travel on a valid British passport, or another passport with a Certificate of Entitlement to the right of abode, to avoid issues from 25 February 2026.”
Scale of the Issue
While precise figures for expats with expired UK passports remain unavailable, estimates suggest:
- Approximately 10 million people hold expired British passports
- An additional 4 million passports are set to expire in 2025
- Hundreds of thousands of dual nationals may be affected by the new requirements
What Expats Should Do Now
British citizens living abroad should take immediate action:
- Check passport expiration dates for all family members planning UK travel
- Begin renewal process early to avoid processing delays
- Budget for renewal costs when planning UK visits
- Avoid attempting ETA applications as dual nationals, which may cause boarding issues
- Consider Certificate of Entitlement as an alternative to passport renewal for those with non-British passports
Alternative Options
Dual nationals who prefer not to renew their British passports may obtain a Certificate of Entitlement to the right of abode, which can be placed in their foreign passport. However, this process also involves costs and administrative procedures.
Timeline and Next Steps
The February 25, 2026 deadline gives affected expats over a year to prepare. However, passport renewal processing times can extend several months, particularly for overseas applications.
British citizens abroad should initiate passport renewal well in advance of any planned UK travel to ensure documentation arrives in time.
Conclusion
The UK’s new ETA system represents a significant shift in border control policy with substantial implications for British dual nationals living abroad. While designed to enhance security and streamline travel, the requirements create unexpected financial and administrative burdens for citizens exercising their right to return home.
Expats should act promptly to ensure compliance with new regulations and avoid potential travel disruption when visiting the UK after February 2026.
