UK Passport Deadline Sparks Rush Among Dual Nationals

Feb 18, 2026

66 min

Feb 18, 2026 02:31

UK passport rush: Millions of dual nationals now racing against time

## New Passport Rules for Dual Nationals

Millions of dual nationals are urgently seeking to obtain or renew their British passports due to new UK border control rules. Starting February 25, 2026, dual nationals must present a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to enter the UK. This change affects those who previously traveled using a non-British passport.

## Impact of the New Regulations

The new regulations mean that dual nationals can no longer rely on their non-British passports, even if they allowed visa-free travel before. The UK government has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, but it is not available to British citizens, including dual nationals.

## Challenges and Costs

Obtaining a British passport can take weeks and costs around £94.50, while a certificate of entitlement costs approximately £589. The latter must be reissued with each new foreign passport. Critics argue that the changes were poorly communicated, creating financial and logistical challenges, especially for families with children born abroad.

## Government's Justification

The UK government claims the policy enhances border security and aligns with systems in countries like the US and Canada. Irish citizens are exempt due to the Common Travel Area agreement. As the deadline approaches, many dual nationals are scrambling to secure the necessary documentation to ensure their right to enter the UK.

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