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UK ETA Requirements & Enforcement for Dual Citizens - Effective 25 February 2026 

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Dear ACTA Members, 

Persons travelling on or before 24 February 2026, who are a British dual citizen with a valid passport for one of the nationalities that can get an ETA, should be allowed to board transport to the UK as normal, without an ETA. 

Travelling on or after 25 February 2026 

Please note important changes to UK entry requirements that will affect your clients travelling to the United Kingdom on or after 25 February 2026. The UK Government is expanding its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. As of this date, eligible visa-exempt travellers will be required to obtain an approved ETA prior to travel to the UK. 

Important Information for Dual Citizens 

Persons who are dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, cannot get an ETA. When they travel to the UK on or after 25 February 2026, they will need to prove their citizenship using: 

  • a valid British passport (this link provides information on how to apply for a British passport) 

  • a valid Irish passport 

Passport applications are to be done online Getting your first adult passport: Who can apply - GOV.UK 

Or can apply for the certificate of entitlement which costs more than the passport. Application for a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode (form ROA) - GOV.UK 

To apply for a British passport without a birth certificate they will require three pieces of identification from a list. Please see this link, scroll down to see the applicable list.  

Applying for a passport from outside the UK: supporting documents (group 3) (accessible) - GOV.UK 

Key Resources 

Members are encouraged to consult and share the following official UK Government resources: 

  • British High Commission response on UK Entry Requirements and the ETA: Please see latest correspondence we received from the High Commission in Aus here (19 Jan) and here (22 Jan) 

  • For enquiries about the ETA scheme, please contact the ETA engagement team: [email protected] (we've directed the travel trade to reach out here if they have any further enquiries)  

Recommended Action for Members 

  • Update client documentation and pre-travel advisories, as applicable 

  • Train frontline travel advisors on ETA eligibility and dual citizenship rules – effective February 25, 2026 

  • Encourage clients to apply early and verify citizenship status 

  • Monitor official UK Government updates for any changes 

Should you have additional trade-specific enquiries regarding the ETA scheme, please contact the ETA engagement team directly at [email protected] 

 

2026-02-18 13:35:56