Starting today, February 25, 2026, the UK Home Office has officially ended the "transitional" era for border entries. British citizens holding a second nationality now face a stark reality: without a valid British passport or a "Certificate of Entitlement," you risk being barred from boarding your flight, ferry, or train to the UK.
Despite intensive lobbying from the 3million campaign, the Liberal Democrats, and senior political figures like David Davis, the government has refused to grant a grace period. This policy shift is part of the UK's massive digitisation project, mandating that every traveler must have clear, digital permission to enter.
The Documentation Dilemma: Passport or Pay?
For years, many dual nationals traveled seamlessly using their foreign passports. That door has now closed. Because British citizens are legally ineligible for the new £16 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)—designed for tourists—they must prove their right of abode through much more expensive means.
| Document Option | Cost | Processing Time |
| British Adult Passport | £94.50 (Standard Online) | 3–10 Weeks (Variable) |
| Certificate of Entitlement | £589.00 | Up to 8 Weeks |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | £16.00 | Ineligible (For British Citizens) |
"Carrier Discretion" is a Risky Bet
The Home Office has issued last-minute guidance to airlines and transport operators, suggesting they may accept an expired British passport (issued in 1989 or later) at their own discretion. However, there is no legal guarantee. If an airline fears a fine for carrying a passenger without "valid status," they are likely to deny boarding to avoid the risk.
"The UK is moving to a modernised digital immigration system... international carriers will check all passengers for valid permission – just as they currently do for visa nationals." — Home Office Spokesperson
A Community in Crisis
The human cost of this sudden enforcement is already surfacing. Reports have emerged of:
Cancelled Weddings and Funerals: Families unable to travel due to pending passport renewals.
Naturalised Citizens Stuck: Individuals who have completed citizenship but haven't had their ceremony are caught in a legal "no-man's-land."
Exorbitant Costs: Travelers forced to pay nearly £600 for a certificate just to visit dying relatives.
