A major shift in the United Kingdom’s travel rules will take effect next month, bringing an end to a long-standing practice that allowed dual nationals to enter the UK using foreign passports.

From February 25, the Home Office will require all British and Irish citizens, including those who hold dual nationality, to present a valid British or Irish passport when boarding a flight to the United Kingdom. 

Travellers will have to use a Certificate of Entitlement as proof of their right to enter if travelling on their second passport.

The change comes as the UK rolls out its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors from visa-exempt countries such as the United States, Canada and European Union member states.

Under the new system, airlines must verify that passengers have a valid ETA before issuing a boarding pass. However, British citizens automatically have the right of abode and are therefore not eligible to apply for an ETA.

This creates a problem for dual nationals travelling on non-British passports. 

Their foreign passport may be flagged for not having an ETA, but they will be unable to obtain one because the system recognises their British citizenship. 

Without a British passport or other proof of status, travellers could be denied boarding at the airport.

The new rules effectively close a loophole that previously allowed dual citizens to travel to the UK using foreign travel documents.

For those who do not wish to carry a British passport, the Home Office has outlined limited alternatives. Dual British-Irish citizens remain exempt and may continue travelling on their Irish passports.

Other dual nationals may apply for a Certificate of Entitlement, which places a right-of-abode endorsement inside their foreign passport. This option, however, comes at a cost, with applications made outside the UK currently priced at £589.

Further complications may arise for travellers who have changed their names, including through marriage. 

If the name on a foreign passport does not match the British passport, the foreign document must be updated before the UK Passport Office will process any related application.

The changes are expected to affect thousands of dual nationals who have routinely relied on foreign passports when travelling to the UK.