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2w ago

UK to Require Dual British/Irish Nationals to Present UK or Irish Passports From 25 February

UK officials say the change supports digitised pre‑departure checks under the new ETA system.

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Aussies with British or Irish dual citizenship are facing increased costs if they want to travel to the UK.
An Australian and UK passport lay on a bench.
A man wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses stands next to a woman wearing sunglasses at a marina.

Overview

  • From 25 February 2026, dual British citizens must show a valid UK passport or a certificate of entitlement to enter, with those lacking them facing extra checks and possible boarding denial.
  • British and Irish dual nationals abroad can no longer rely on another country’s passport for UK entry, and transport carriers are expected to enforce the document checks.
  • Costs and choices include a UK passport (overseas applications priced higher than the standard £94.50), an Irish passport (€75), a certificate of entitlement (£589 outside the UK), or renouncing British citizenship (£482).
  • Australia’s Smartraveller and the British High Commission warn strict enforcement begins on 25 February, prompting a rush for documents and concerns about processing times for upcoming trips.
  • Australians without UK or Irish citizenship will need a low‑cost ETA (about AU$32), whereas British or Irish citizens cannot use an ETA and may need to travel with two passports for return journeys.