As of February 25th, 2026, the United Kingdom government has put new rules in place for dual citizens travelling into the UK. Dual citizens who have British citizenship are now required to travel with a valid UK passport in order to enter the country. Previously, UK-Canada dual citizens could enter with a valid Canadian passport and an Electronic Travel Authorization, but this is no longer the case. Read on to find out how to navigate this change.
Who does this change affect?
This change affects dual citizens who hold British citizenship, including those who have a parent with British citizenship, that typically travel to the UK with a different country’s passport. For example, a UK-Canada dual citizen who only holds a Canadian passport will now need to obtain a UK passport. This change affects Irish dual citizens similarly, requiring them to travel into the UK with a valid Irish passport.
What to do moving forward?
Moving forward, UK dual citizens who wish to travel into the UK have a few options. The simplest and most guaranteed option is to apply for a UK passport. This can be done online through the UK government’s website. Another option is to apply online for a certificate of entitlement which proves the recipient’s right to abode in the UK. The final option would be to renounce British citizenship, which would then allow the traveller to enter the UK using a different passport.
At the discretion of the traveller’s carrier (e.g. airline), dual citizens can enter the UK with an expired UK passport issued no earlier than 1989 in addition to their other passport, if valid. However, this is not a guarantee. It’s important to note that this rule also affects those who have a layover in the UK, if it requires them to switch terminals while in the airport.
With updates like these, it’s important that travellers check the entry rules of their upcoming destinations and layovers before travelling. Not a dual-citizen? Check out this blog post for the UK’s visa requirements for Canadians. It’s best to be prepared in these scenarios so planning ahead can go a long way.
Ta-ta,
Jacqueline
