British dual citizens may need to renew expired passports before UK travel

To travel without an ETA from February 25, 2026, dual citizens need a valid UK passport or proof of right of abode

If you’re a dual citizen with British citizenship and your UK passport has expired or is about to expire, you may need to renew it before traveling to the UK. From February 25, 2026, travelers without valid proof of British citizenship risk being denied boarding.

According to the GOV.UK website, British dual citizens do not need to apply for an ETA. However, to travel without one, you must prove your citizenship using one of the following:

• A valid UK passport
• A valid Irish passport (if you also hold Irish citizenship)
• Another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement (for those with right of abode)

Why this matters from February 25, 2026

Before this date, British dual citizens holding a valid passport from an ETA-eligible nationality have generally been allowed to board transport to the UK without an ETA.

From February 25, 2026, this changes. Without a valid document proving your British citizenship or right of abode, you may not be able to board your flight, ferry, or other transport to the UK.

What if your UK passport has expired?

Under temporary guidance, carriers such as airlines and ferry companies may allow you to travel if you hold both:

• An expired UK passport issued in 1989 or later
• A valid passport from an ETA-eligible nationality

The personal details on both passports must match. However, this is at the carrier's discretion and is not guaranteed. If you arrive without valid documentation, you will need to undergo additional identity checks before passing through UK passport control.

What you should do

If your UK passport is expired or expiring soon, apply for a renewal before February 25, 2026 to avoid complications.

If you previously held a UK passport, you can also apply for an emergency travel document. Those with right of abode who do not have British citizenship can apply for a certificate of entitlement, which is placed in a valid foreign passport.