From 25 February 2026, the UK will fully enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. While much of the public messaging has focused on visa-free nationals who will now need an ETA to travel to the UK, there is a less well-understood, and potentially serious impact on dual British nationals, particularly those holding US and UK citizenship.

This update is especially important for dual nationals who routinely travel to the UK on their non-British passport.

British citizens cannot hold an ETA

Under UK law and Home Office policy, British citizens are not eligible for an ETA.

This applies even if the individual:

· Also holds another nationality (e.g. US, Canadian, Australian, EU)

· Normally travels on their foreign passport

· Has lived outside the UK for many years

· Has never held a UK passport previously

Once ETA enforcement begins, a British citizen attempting to travel to the UK on a foreign passport without evidence of British nationality will likely be refused boarding by the airline.

This is not a border decision; it happens before traveling at check-in.

Why airlines will refuse boarding

From February 2026, airlines will be required to:

· Verify that passengers either hold:

o A valid visa, or

o A valid ETA, or

o Are exempt (including British citizens)

If a passenger presents:

· A foreign passport, and

· No visa, and

· No ETA (which British citizens cannot obtain)

…the airline’s system will flag the passenger as not authorised to travel.

Airlines face penalties for carrying passengers without valid travel permission, so they are expected to apply these checks strictly.

What dual British nationals must do

Dual British nationals have only two compliant options for travel to the UK from 25 February 2026 onward:

Option 1: Travel on a valid British passport (recommended)

This is the simplest and safest option.

If you are a British citizen, even by descent, you should:

· Apply for or renew a British passport

· Use it to enter the UK

This avoids ETA issues entirely.

Option 2: Obtain a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode

For those who:

· Are British citizens but

· Cannot obtain a British passport urgently, or

· Prefer to travel on their foreign passport

A Certificate of Entitlement can be placed in the foreign passport, confirming the holder’s right of abode in the UK.

This document:

· Exempts the holder from ETA requirements

· Is recognised by airlines

· Allows boarding and entry without issue

However, it is time-consuming and costly compared to obtaining a British passport and is typically used only where a passport application is not feasible.

Key takeaway

If you are a British citizen, you must enter the UK as a British citizen.

From 25 February 2026, dual nationals who attempt to travel on a foreign passport without proof of British nationality risk being refused boarding by the airline, even though they have an absolute right to enter the UK.

If you’re a dual British national and need help getting your UK passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, we can guide you through the process. Contact us early to make sure you can travel to the UK without disruption under the new ETA rules.