UNITED KINGDOM: New rules for British/Australian dual nationals. What to do if your travelling soon

If you’re a British dual national with travel to the UK booked this week or next, this issue isn’t theoretical, it’s immediate.

From 25 February (today), the British Home Office requires airlines to verify that British citizens board with a valid British passport (or a foreign passport carrying a certificate of entitlement). If you present only your non-UK passport, you risk being refused boarding at check-in.

Airlines bear the brunt of returning travellers who are refused entry, so if you don’t have the right paperwork, you may not even get on the aircraft.

If you’re travelling imminently, here’s what matters

You should start by visiting the UK’s official government advice for dual citizens at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-guide-for-dual-citizens

1. Check which passport you’re using – now.
If you’re British and also Australian (or hold any other nationality), you are expected to enter the UK as British. That means travelling on a British passport.

2. You cannot use an ETA as a workaround.
Dual nationals are not eligible for the UK’s £16 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). If you try to board using your Australian or EU passport without British documentation, the airline may block you.

3. Expired British passport? Call your airline immediately.
The Home Office says carriers may, at their discretion, accept some expired British passports (issued from 1989 onwards). That’s the key phrase: at their discretion. Some airlines may allow it (Qantas says it will), others may not. Get written confirmation if possible.

4. Waiting on a renewal? You’re in a grey zone.
If your passport is with the authorities for renewal, you could face real disruption. There is no grace period. If you can’t present acceptable documentation, boarding could be denied.

5. Certificate of entitlement is not a quick fix.
At £589 and up to eight weeks’ processing time, this is not a solution for a flight next Tuesday.

Transit passengers beware

Even if you’re just connecting through London on the way to Europe or North America, you must meet the documentation requirement. Turning up with only your non-UK passport could derail the entire itinerary.

2PAXfly Takeout

No giving this up to luck. UK government sources, despite pleas from meany have refused to grant a grace period, so you have to assume that the new rules apply, and if you don’t meet them, you won’t be allowed entry to Old Blighty.

If you’re a dual British and other national citizen due to fly to the UK in the coming days you need to get on and do the following:

• Locate your British passport.
• Check validity.
• Confirm with your airline if there’s any doubt.
• Do not assume what was acceptable in the past still applies.

If you hold British citizenship, or are entitled to it, the UK now expects you to prove it the traditional way, with the passport in your hand. And if you’re travelling imminently, there’s very little room for error.