Major new passport rules are coming this week - and could catch Leeds residents out
A major change to passport rules could catch out people with dual-citizenship from this week.
Leeds residents who are nationals of Britain and another country are being reminded of the new rules, which come into effect on Wednesday (February 25). It could catch travellers out - and even prevent them from boarding flights to return to the UK.
Under the current rules, a British dual-national could travel to the UK using their foreign passport. Provided that their other nationality was for a country not subject to a UK visa requirement.
However, from February 25, that will no longer be the case. From that date, they will now need to show either a British passport or have a certificate of entitlement attached to their second nationality’s passport - which will cost around £589.
Dual nationals who try to enter the UK using only a foreign passport could face complications.
Travellers might be subject to additional checks while their status is verified. They could also be stopped from boarding if they cannot prove their right of entry.
The Government announced the rules last year, but some dual nationals have said the changes were brought in at short notice and were poorly communicated. There are fears that holidays or work trips could be affected if people cannot get a passport or certificate of entitlement in time.
One woman told the BBC: “If I hadn't applied for citizenship and just had an EU passport, I would be in a better situation than I am now.
"The irony is that I've chosen to be part of this country but it feels like I'm being deported. It feels like a betrayal."
A Home Office spokesperson said: “From February 25 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK.
“Without one, carriers cannot verify they are a British citizen, which may lead to delays or refused boarding.
“Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024 and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023.
“This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia.”
It is not only rules for dual nationality that are changing from February 25 with travellers arriving from abroad now needing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Those without an ETA will not be able to board their flight, ferry or train. It currently costs £16 - although that could increase to £20 in the future - and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years.
ETAs have been brought in as part of a wider plans for a “more streamlined, digital immigration system” which the Government hopes will be faster and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year.
It is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa or a tax and only authorises a person to travel to the UK.
Ministers say the introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia.