British dual nationals may use expired UK passports to prove their citizenship under new immigration rules requiring British passports for entry into the UK.
The UK Home Office has announced that British dual nationals might be able to utilize expired UK passports to verify their nationality when the new immigration rules come into effect. These rules mandate that any individual with British dual nationality must present a British passport or obtain a 'certificate of entitlement' costing £589 when traveling to the UK. This has created significant concern, especially for those whose passports have expired or who do not possess a British passport, particularly affecting children born abroad.
As of the new regulations taking effect on Wednesday, airlines and transport operators face potential penalties if they allow passengers on board who lack the required documentation. Dual nationals will not qualify for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) using their second passport, compounding their travel difficulties. This situation has led to considerable anxiety and frustration among British citizens preparing for upcoming trips, with many expressing their dissatisfaction with the new system and its complications.
Political responses have emerged, with opposition parties, including the Liberal Democrats, calling for a reassessment of these rules, citing that they unjustly complicate travel for British citizens. The Home Office's clarification regarding the acceptance of expired passports may provide some relief, but widespread apprehension remains about the practicality of compliance with the new measures and their impact on travelers' plans.
