Eta rules risk leaving British dual nationals stranded at departure gates
The UK’s new eta requirement, enforced from 25 February, will mean most visa-free visitors must get electronic permission before travel — and has left some British dual nationals scrambling for a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement to prove their right to enter the UK.
Eta mandatory from 25 February
The government made its electronic travel authorisation mandatory from 25 February after a scheme launched in October 2023 that was not strictly enforced to give visitors time to adjust. The government says ETAs will streamline the immigration system, speed it up and make it more secure. From the start date, non‑visa nationals from 85 countries who had previously travelled visa‑free will generally need an ETA before boarding.
What an ETA permits and who still needs a visa
An ETA is a digital permission that, once approved, allows multiple journeys to the UK and a stay of up to six months; it will be valid for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires. The ETA covers visits for tourism, business or short‑term study and will also cover people who cross the border and travel through the UK as part of a journey. Travellers transiting through UK airports who do not need to pass through border security will not need an ETA. Longer trips and visits for work or longer study still require a visa, and people who usually need a visa will continue to need one rather than an ETA.
What dual nationals must carry
Although British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA or a visa to visit the UK or travel through it, carriers must now check passengers have the correct documentation before departure. The Home Office says international carriers will check passengers for valid permission or status to travel — just as they currently do for visa nationals. For British citizens that means presenting a British passport or a foreign passport endorsed with a Certificate of Entitlement; at their own discretion, carriers may accept some expired British passports as alternative documentation. Dual nationals who previously used a foreign passport risk being delayed by Border Force staff confirming their citizenship unless they hold the required documents.
Costs, application steps and enforcement history
Applying for an ETA currently costs £16, with plans to increase the fee to £20 in future. A Certificate of Entitlement costs £589; by contrast applying for a British passport costs £94. 50. The government recommends applying an app available on Google Play or the Apple App Store. The government says it has been advertising the ETA changes since 2023 and advised dual nationals to check documents since October 2024.
A cancelled trip and a call for people affected
Some dual nationals say the rules have already forced travel plans to be cancelled. A British‑French dual national who became a British citizen in November had to cancel a trip to France next week after a Certificate of Entitlement contained a typo, was returned for correction, and the corrected certificate took two‑and‑a‑half months to be re‑issued, leaving no time to apply for a British passport. She said she felt let down and had no communication during her citizenship process or ceremony.
Organisers are asking British dual nationals who have been prevented from boarding a flight, ferry or train because they did not have a British passport or certificate of entitlement to share their experiences a form. The request asks people to include as much detail as possible, notes a maximum file size of 5. 7 MB for uploads, and says contact details are helpful so organisers can follow up; contact details will only be seen by the organisers. Anyone including other people’s names is asked to obtain their permission. If the form presents problems, the request notes an online help option but the exact link is unclear in the provided context.
Enforcement begins on 25 February and the government has said carriers will check documentation at departure; travellers are advised to secure either a British passport, an ETA where required, or a Certificate of Entitlement before booking or boarding.
