Starting from February 25, 2026, new travel regulations in the UK will mandate that dual nationality British citizens—including those with Irish or other European nationalities—must present a valid British passport or a certificate of naturalization that proves their right to reside and work in the UK before traveling. This significant change is poised to affect approximately 1.2 million British citizens abroad who hold dual citizenship, as they will need to verify their British nationality in advance rather than at the border.

The UK's Home Office has indicated that these changes aim to modernize border procedures through a digital system, enhancing their ability to differentiate between individuals with the right to remain and those who have overstayed their visa limits. This is a part of broader efforts to streamline immigration processes and establish clearer criteria for entry into the country.

The implications of this change could lead to increased scrutiny and potential complications for dual nationals when traveling to the UK, raising concerns about how this will affect mobility and the experiences of those holding dual citizenship. As the rules come into effect, there may be calls for further clarification and support from the government to help citizens navigate these new requirements effectively.