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New regulations affecting dual nationals are causing significant challenges for those seeking to enter the UK, as changes to passport requirements come into effect on 25 February. Among those impacted is Jelena, a British-Latvian dual citizen, who only recently became aware of the new rules. Jelena faces the unsettling possibility of being denied entry to the UK after returning from a planned trip around South America—a destination she describes as a “holiday of a lifetime.”
Previously, dual nationals could enter the UK using a passport from their second nationality. However, with the introduction of these updated rules, they must now present either a British passport or a certificate of entitlement to re-enter the country. These documents are not automatically issued upon acquiring British citizenship, which means many dual nationals, including Jelena, have not applied for them, despite often having lived in the UK for many years. Acquiring these documents involves a wait time of several weeks and considerable expense—a British adult passport costs about £100, while the certificate of entitlement carries a fee of £589.
The implementation of these passport regulations coincides with the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, aimed at modernising the UK’s immigration controls. While most visitors who do not require a visa must now apply for an ETA costing £16 before travelling to the UK, dual nationals are excluded from this process and must comply with the new documentation requirements instead. Notably, Irish passport holders are exempt from these changes. The government asserts that these measures align the UK’s border system with those of countries like the United States and Australia. However, critics argue that poor communication and the short notice have left many dual nationals in precarious positions, potentially stranded abroad if they lack the necessary paperwork.
For individuals like Jelena and another dual national, Petra Gartzen, who holds UK and German citizenship, the changes feel like a betrayal. Petra, who has lived in the UK for 40 years, was only informed of the new rules through a Facebook post while she was abroad in Spain. She described the situation as frustrating, as she scrambles to obtain a certificate of entitlement but has encountered further complications, such as the need for documents that are currently in the UK. The lack of clear guidance has prompted criticism from advocacy groups like the3million, representing EU citizens in the UK. Monique Hawkins, their head of policy and advocacy, called on the government to “urgently hit the pause button” and create a more accessible, low-cost travel solution for those caught out by these abrupt changes. Meanwhile, a Home Office spokesperson maintains that information has been widely publicised since October 2024 and emphasises that the new requirements are consistent with those imposed by other countries on their dual nationals
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