Starting from February 25, 2026, British dual nationals without a British passport will no longer be able to enter the UK using only their foreign passport, as new regulations commence. This is a significant shift in travel policy under the UK government's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, mandating that these individuals must possess a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement—this latter option costing £589—to board any flight, ferry, or train to the UK.

The enforcement of these new rules means that airlines will be responsible for verifying that passengers have the correct documentation before departure, presenting a potential hurdle for many dual nationals who may have relied on their foreign passports for UK entry in the past. While British and Irish citizens are exempt from applying for an ETA, the implications of this policy change could lead to increased complications in international travel, particularly for those who do not routinely carry their British nationality documents when traveling.

This development raises concerns not just for the immediate impacts on travel for British dual nationals but also about how it reflects the broader post-Brexit immigration policy of the UK. As countries around the world adjust their entry requirements in response to shifting political landscapes, this move could further complicate the travel experience for British citizens who are reluctant or unable to obtain a British passport, emphasizing the importance of possessing valid travel documentation in our increasingly globalized world.