Government Rumored to Implement New Travel Restrictions for British Dual Citizens
In a recent development, the Home Office in the UK has been asked to provide clarification on the travel arrangements for UK dual nationals who do not possess a valid UK passport, following an extension of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement to European passport holders.
The Home Office has yet to confirm whether UK dual nationals without a valid UK passport need an ETA when traveling. This uncertainty has prompted many UK dual nationals to contact the UK government, seeking confirmation on whether they need an ETA if traveling on their "other" passport.
Currently, British dual nationals can choose which passport to use when traveling in and out of the UK. However, it is strongly advised that they arrive in the UK using their British (or Irish) passport as the primary proof of their right to enter. If a dual national does not have a valid British passport and attempts to enter using their other nationality's passport, they may have to prove their right to enter the UK by other means such as a certificate of entitlement or relevant residence status.
The Home Office has not yet provided a date for when the proposed change requiring British dual nationals to present a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement will be enforced. The text of the fact sheet on the UK government website changed on April 7th to suggest that British dual citizens who do not possess a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement may encounter difficulties at the point of boarding or at the UK border.
The cost of acquiring a UK passport from outside the UK is £108, while obtaining a Certificate of Entitlement involves an in-person visit to a British visa center, and many countries only have one. A Certificate of Entitlement can be used to prove the right to abode in the UK, but it costs £550 and takes three weeks to obtain.
The Home Office has stated that it will "make it clear" when the proposed change will be enforced. In the meantime, it is advised that UK dual nationals without a valid British passport begin to make the necessary arrangements to avoid complications at a later date.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, it is clear that British dual nationals are exempt from the ETA but must hold valid British travel documents when entering the UK to avoid complications at the border. The Home Office has been asked to provide further clarity on whether UK dual nationals can travel using their "other" passport and how they can obtain an ETA if necessary. Until then, the situation remains confusing for UK dual nationals without a valid UK passport.
The Home Office has not confirmed whether UK dual nationals require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) when travelling using their "other" passport, despite the recent extension of the ETA to European passport holders. The confusion regarding travel arrangements for UK dual nationals has arisen from the lack of clarity on the need for a valid British passport or an ETA when entering the UK.
