Dual Citizen of UK or Ireland – Important information regarding entry requirements from 25 Feb 2026
UK Border Entry Changes for British & Irish Dual Citizens (From 25 February 2026)
From 25 February 2026, the UK will introduce important changes to its border entry requirements that affect British and Irish dual citizens, particularly those who usually travel on a non-UK or non-Irish passport.
These updates relate to Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) eligibility, acceptable travel documents, and the checks airlines must carry out before boarding.
The summary below outlines what travellers need to know, based on official UK Government guidance.
Do British & Irish Dual Citizens Need an ETA in 2026?
No. The UK Government has confirmed that British and Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA scheme. The ETA applies only to travellers who are neither British nor Irish.
From 25 February 2026, dual citizens will no longer be eligible to apply for or hold an ETA, even if their second nationality would normally qualify.
Key change:
Dual citizens must prove their British or Irish citizenship using approved travel documents. Airlines will not accept verbal explanations or assumptions — documentation must clearly show ETA exemption at check-in.
Required Travel Documents for Dual Citizens (From 25 February 2026)
To travel to the UK by air or sea after this date, British or Irish dual citizens must present one of the following:
- A valid British passport, or
- A valid Irish passport, or
- A foreign passport with a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (British citizens only).
Travelling solely on a foreign passport — including Australian, EU, or US passports — will result in denied boarding, even before reaching UK border control. Airlines are required to enforce these rules strictly.
Important Note for Australian–British/Irish Dual Citizens
Australian citizens must still use their Australian passport when entering or leaving Australia.
As a result, Australian–British or Australian–Irish dual citizens should travel with both passports when flying between Australia and the UK.
Travellers holding other nationalities should check the immigration requirements that apply to their country of residence.
Why These Changes Are Being Introduced
These measures support the UK’s wider rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Airlines face penalties for carrying passengers without the correct documentation, meaning passport checks will occur at check-in, not just on arrival.
From 25 February 2026, British and Irish dual citizens must present an approved passport or entitlement document. An ETA will no longer be accepted in place of these documents, and airlines are required to refuse boarding where requirements are not met.
Where to Find Official Guidance
Because citizenship status and documentation can vary, travellers are strongly advised to rely on official sources:
- UK Government travel and border guidance: GOV.UK
- Smartraveller: Uniterd Kingdom Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller
- UK Home office updates: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet – January 2026 – Home Office in the media
Informal advice may not reflect individual circumstances
Information correct at time of printing please refer to links above for further up to date information.