Dual citizenship: What are the new passport rules?

People in the UK are able to hold two nationalities at once and have historically been able to travel to and from the UK on either a UK passport or the passport of their second nationality.

But as of Wednesday that is no longer the case, so who is affected and what are the new rules?

What are the new rules?

The new rules mean that dual citizens will not be able to travel to the UK without presenting a British passport.

Anybody travelling to and from the UK will need a UK or Irish passport, or a certificate of entitlement, which goes in your non-British passport.

The digital certificate of entitlement, costing £589, will replace the vignette stickers currently used in passports.

The Home Office said: “We recognise that this is a significant change for carriers and travellers, but we have been clear on requirements for dual British citizens to travel with a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement, in line with those for all British citizens.”

The changes, which were made public in October 2024, came into effect on Wednesday.

Will expired British passports be accepted?

The Home Office have now said carriers may accept an “expired British passport as alternative document”, in addition to their valid foreign passport.

They told ITV News: “At their own discretion, carriers can accept an expired British passport as alternative documentation. Separately, individuals who have previously had a British passport can apply for an emergency travel document if they urgently need to enter the UK.”

Adding that: “In line with current practice, on arrival at the UK border, Border Force will still assess a person’s suitability to enter the UK and conduct additional checks if required.”

Previously, the Home Office said individuals would have to provide a “valid British passport” or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK.

How do you get a certificate of entitlement?

There is an online form on the government website that needs to be completed to get a certificate of entitlement, and applicants will usually receive a decision within eight weeks of applying.

The certificate costs £589 in the UK.

Anybody who already has a certificate of entitlement will receive a digital replacement to the current format free of charge.

The digital certificate is stored in your UK Visas and Immigration account and is linked to the non-UK or Irish passport that the government knows about.

There is no fee for people applying for a certificate of entitlement under the Windrush Scheme.

What about international visitors?

International visitors coming to the UK for up to six months will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs £16.

An ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.

Those without an ETA will not be able to board their flight, ferry or train.

This change also came into effect on Wednesday.