Travelling to the UK soon? Important entry changes you must check!
If you have any connection to, or family history linked to, the United Kingdom or Ireland, this information is essential reading.
UK entry requirements are changing from 25 February 2026, and this change could directly affect your ability to travel. We are already seeing travel plans placed at risk because travellers did not realise they are considered dual citizens of the UK or Ireland and may no longer be permitted to enter the UK using an Australian passport.
In some cases, this has resulted in last-minute disruption, cancelled travel, and the potential for significant financial loss, including cancellation fees and forfeited arrangements.
Why this is catching travellers out
Many Australian travellers assume that successfully applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) means everything is in order. However, the ETA application process does not currently flag whether a traveller may be ineligible to use an ETA due to dual citizenship.
As a result, travellers can hold a valid ETA that will not be accepted for entry once the new rules take effect.
What changes from 25 February 2026
From 25 February 2026, if you are considered a dual UK or Irish citizen, you cannot enter the UK on an Australian passport with an ETA, even if that ETA has already been approved and remains valid.
Instead, you must enter the UK using a valid UK or Irish passport.
Do dual citizens need a UK passport to enter the UK?
Yes. From 25 February 2026, travellers who are considered dual citizens of the UK or Ireland must enter the UK using a valid UK or Irish passport. An ETA linked to an Australian passport will not be accepted, even if it has already been approved.
This is where confusion commonly arises. Some travellers do not realise they are regarded as dual citizens. This may apply for reasons you may not immediately think are relevant, including (but not limited to):
Who may be considered a dual citizen?
This is where confusion commonly arises. Some travellers do not realise they are regarded as dual citizens. This may apply for reasons you may not immediately think are relevant, including (but not limited to):
Being born in the United Kingdom or Ireland, even if you have never held a UK or Irish passport
Having ever held a UK or Irish passport (even if it has since expired)
Being granted UK or Irish citizenship through a parent
It is important to understand that an expired UK or Irish passport does not cancel your citizenship.
Real-world examples we are already seeing
We are already seeing situations where travellers were confident this did not apply to them, only to later mention a previously held British passport. That single detail completely changes how entry to the UK must be made and requires the traveller to apply for or renew a UK passport before travel.
Key points to be aware of:-
From 25 February 2026:
Dual UK or Irish citizens must enter the UK using a valid UK or Irish passport
An ETA linked to an Australian passport will not be accepted
Travellers without the correct documentation may be refused boarding or entry, without compensation
While we can provide guidance and help point you in the right direction, it is ultimately your responsibility to assess whether this applies to you and to ensure you hold the correct documentation for travel.
If you have any doubt at all, we strongly encourage you to check this now rather than discovering an issue at the airport, cruise terminal, or border.
Assistance and responsibility
We are sharing this information to help travellers understand the upcoming changes and identify whether further checks may be required.
If you have existing bookings with us, we are happy to assist you further and guide you through next steps where possible.
Please note that this is for information purposes only and we are not able to assess citizenship status or provide personalised advice on it for travellers. Determining your citizenship status and ensuring you hold the correct documentation for travel remains your responsibility.
OFFICIAL GUIDANCE
Official UK Government guidance is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-guide-for-dual-citizens
If, after reviewing this information, you are still unsure whether you may be considered a dual citizen, please contact us. It is far better to clarify this early than to face problems at check-in.
UK passport applications and renewals
If you determine that you do need to travel on a UK passport and do not currently hold a valid one, official information on applying for or renewing a UK passport can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport
Do you need more information about applying for a British Passport?
Here are some additional links and topics you may find helpful
https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-adult-passport
https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-adult-passport/what-documents-you-need-to-apply
https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports
Processing times can vary significantly and may take 6–10 weeks or longer, particularly for applications lodged from outside the UK. We strongly recommend reviewing and acting on this information as early as possible, especially if your travel is planned for 2026.
