The Home Office has issued a warning to British citizens who also hold citizenship in other countries. Dual British citizens must show a British passport upon travelling to the UK to be granted entry and avoid delays, with the new rules taking effect near the end of the month.

According to The Guardian, the Home Office has informed British dual citizens of therequirementsthey must meet should they travel or return to the UK after 25 February. They must present avalid British passportto be granted entry into the UK. The alternative is to present a 'certificate of entitlement' attached to their second nationality passport, which costs £589, when boarding a flight, ferry, or train to the UK.

The certificate serves as an official endorsement confirming the person's right of abode in the UK and grants them unrestricted living and working rights. Eligible citizens can apply for this certificate via the government's website.

The issue that many British dual nationals could potentially face follows a change inborder controlsafter 25 February. By that time, everyone travelling to the UK will need permission to travel, except British or Irish citizens or those otherwise exempt. British dual citizens under the EU Settlement Scheme or on Leave to Remain arrangements are included amongst those exempt.

Those who will only visit the UK for a short time are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, which costs £16.

🚨 If you’re planning a trip to Europe next month – the rules are changing.EU Border checks may require British travellers to scan their passport and have their photo taken when crossing into Schengen countries.pic.twitter.com/9eFt6jJDVH

Countries thatpreviously did notrequire a visa to enter the UK, such as the US and France, will now be required to obtain an ETA to be granted entry. Carriers will be conducting checks before passengers travel once the rule takes effect.

This change is only taking place for dual nationals now, despite the ETA system being enforced since 2023, with over 13.3 million passengers having successfully applied.

The requirements are part of the new rules the government announced in 2025. However, for Brits who hold a second citizenship and are living outside the UK, some feel they were not properly informed of those changes. They also felt that having to keep two passports is a 'luxury' that not everyone can afford.

A new British passport costs around £94.50. This move would affect 1.2 million dual British citizens.

Source: International Business Times UK