British citizens, including dual nationals, have the automatic right of abode in the UK—meaning they can live, work and enter the UK without restriction—but must be able to prove this when travelling. From 25 February 2026, British dual nationals will no longer be able to travel to the UK using their non-British passport alone. They must instead hold a valid British passport (or a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode), or they may be refused boarding.
Further details in this short video or below:
Alternative documents (such as an expired British passport or a citizenship certificate) are not accepted for travel purposes.
Historically, British dual nationals whose other nationality was from a non-visa national country (for example, the EU, USA, Canada or Australia) were often able to travel to the UK on their non-British passport.
With the introduction of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system a British dual national travelling on a non-British passport will be unable to demonstrate either permission to travel as a visitor (ETA), or exemption from the permission to travel requirement (British citizenship) without a valid British passport (or certificate of entitlement). British dual nationals are not permitted to apply for an ETA under their alternative nationality.
British dual nationals are urged to ensure they hold a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement if travelling to the UK on or after 25 February 2026. Emergency travel documents may be available in urgent cases, but access can be limited, particularly for individuals who have not held a British passport for many years.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Lindsey Barras
Partner
Scherezade Maestre
Director
Awale Olad
Senior Manager
Kate Gamester
Manager (Solicitor)
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