New rules for dual citizens travelling to the UK from the 25th February

As of the 25th February 2026, visitors to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before they are allowed to enter the country, unless they are a British or Irish citizen; from that date onward, "eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot travel to the UK."

Why does this affect dual nationals?

Up to this point, British citizens with a second nationality from an EU country were free to travel to and from the UK using either passport. However, unlike foreign nationals, British citizens will not be allowed to apply for an ETA on their non-UK passport. This means that if you are travelling to the UK as a dual British and EU citizen, you will be required to show your British passport at the border.

According to the British Embassy Prague, in this case using the example of a dual British/Czech citizen:

"As a dual national, you must travel to the UK either with a valid  British passport (or an Irish passport), or with another valid passport  (for example, a Czech one) together with a Certificate of Entitlement to  the Right of Abode in the United Kingdom."

What if I don't have, or don't want, a British passport?

If, for whatever reason, you didn't want to use your British passport to travel to the UK, you would have to prove you have right of abode in the UK. This means applying for a certificate of entitlement to be added to your non-UK passport.

Though this may seem like a valid option, at time of writing, a certificate of entitlement will cost you £589. It is therefore recommended that dual British citizens acquire their British passport and also take their second passport with them when travelling to and from the UK.

It is important to note that this is not necessary for Irish citizens. As an Irish citizen, you get the best of both worlds, as your passport allows you to travel to both the UK and EU countries.