"The UK's new border control system ETA reaches a new phase in February - but will British dual nationals really be denied entry to the country if they do not have a valid UK passport? Ahead of the end of the 'tolerance period' of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system in February 2026, British dual nationals have been targeted with official messaging suggesting that they will only be able to enter the UK if they have a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement."
"Although ETA has been up and running since 2023, and has applied to all EU nationals since spring 2025, there has been a 'tolerance period' in operation where people were not turned away at the border if they did not have the correct ETA registration. February 25th, 2026, marks the end of the tolerance period for EU/EEA citizens travelling to the UK, and those without the correct paperwork will be turned away at the border, according to British authorities."
"Ever since the launch of ETA, there has been confusion and mixed messages when it comes to British dual nationals. READ ALSO: 'Absolute shambles': Confusion deepens over ETA visa waiver for UK dual nationals For British or Irish nationals travelling on their UK or Irish passport the situation is clear - they do not require the electronic travel authorisation known as the ETA."
ETA moves into a stricter phase in February 2026 as the tolerance period ends on 25 February. EU/EEA travellers without the correct ETA registration face refusal at the border. The UK government has indicated that British dual nationals will be included in enforcement. British or Irish nationals using a valid UK or Irish passport do not need an ETA. Many British dual nationals lack a current valid British passport because it has expired, is being renewed, or was never obtained, creating uncertainty. A certificate of entitlement is referenced as an alternative, and travellers should confirm documentation before travel.
Read at www.thelocal.com
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