UK Dual Nationals and the ETA: Who Needs It and Who Doesn’t?

Charlie UK Immigration News & Updates 6 April 2025 | Updated On April 7, 2025 | 0

From 2 April 2025, the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system will apply to European travellers. Citizens of the Euroean Union (excluding Irish nationals), EEA, and Switzerland will now need ETA approval before entering the UK.

With this new rollout, there has been some confusion around what it means when the UK government says dual nationals should use their UK passport “to avoid delays at the border.” This doesn’t mean they’ll be stopped from entering the UK, but it could mean they’re held up if they use a different passport.

In theory, British citizens with dual nationality don’t need an ETA and should be able to enter the UK using either of their passports.

However, things get confusing for those who don’t currently have a valid British passport. If they try to travel using their EU passport, it’s not clear whether they need to apply for an ETA or not.

To make things more complicated, the ETA application form asks travellers to list any other nationalities—but there’s no option to select ‘British citizen’ from the dropdown menu.

This means that British dual nationals might have to either skip declaring their UK nationality or give incorrect information just to complete the application—adding to the confusion.

Home Office Advice

The UK Home Office has clarified that dual nationals holding an eligible foreign passport do not need an ETA or proof of British citizenship while the ETA system is still being rolled out.

However, it is strongly recommended that British citizens travel using a valid UK passport to avoid delays at the border.

If you don’t have a valid British passport, you can instead prove your British citizenship by applying for a Certificate of Entitlement, which is added to your foreign passport. This certificate costs £550.

Alternatively, applying or renewing a British passport online from outside the UK costs £101 for adults and £65.50 for children, with processing taking up to six weeks. Passport fees will increase on 10 April 2025.

For now, during this transition period, airlines and travel providers are not expected to deny boarding to travellers who don’t hold a valid UK passport or certificate of entitlement.

However, in the future, British dual nationals without either document may face issues when boarding flights or entering the UK. The Home Office has not yet announced when this requirement will become mandatory.

To avoid any future complications, it’s wise to start making arrangements now—either by renewing your UK passport or applying for a certificate of entitlement.

For assistance with a British passport or certificate of entitlement application, contact IaM.

Having trouble securing an ETA? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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