The United Kingdom is rolling out stricter entry and boarding requirements for dual nationals as part of changes linked to its electronic border control system.

From Wednesday, dual citizens arriving in the UK may be denied entry if they do not hold a valid British passport or appropriate documentation confirming their right to enter. Travellers without a British passport will need a visa, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or a certificate confirming their entitlement to enter the country.

The ETA allows eligible visitors to stay in the UK for up to six months for tourism or family visits.

Further changes will take effect on February 25, 2026, when the UK Home Office introduces new carrier-check requirements for dual British citizens.

Under those rules, most dual nationals will be required to present a valid or qualifying expired British passport before boarding a flight, ferry or Eurostar service to the UK. Alternatively, they may use a certificate of entitlement confirming their right of abode or an emergency travel document.

Presenting only a non-British passport will no longer be sufficient for travel unless it contains a certificate of entitlement, which currently costs £589.

Airlines and other transport operators will be responsible for verifying passengers’ British citizenship before departure and will be required to refuse boarding if they cannot confirm the traveller’s status, even if the individual holds a visa-waiver passport.

While the legal right of British citizens to enter and live in the UK remains unchanged, the government says the measures are intended to align dual nationals with the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation system and reduce confusion at border checks.

The changes mark a shift toward greater reliance on digital verification and pre-departure screening in the administration of citizenship and border controls.