The UK is overhauling its border entry system from 25 February 2026, making travel more complicated for British citizens with dual nationality, including those living in the United Arab Emirates and other parts of the world. The latest phase of the UK’s digital border transformation centers on the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme and new documentation requirements for dual nationals returning to the UK, sparking confusion, travel delays and last-minute emergencies passport Running among travelers.Under the updated rules, all visitors who were previously able to enter the UK visa-free, including nationals from countries including the United States, Canada, Australia and EU member states, must now obtain an estimated time of arrival in advance of arrival. For British dual nationals, however, the impact goes beyond the ETA system itself: they must now prove their right to enter the UK using very specific documentation, or risk being denied boarding by the airline before departure.
What changes for dual British citizens
Historically, many British dual nationals, such as those holding both British and Emirati citizenship or other foreign passports, could simply travel using a non-UK passport without special permission and then rely on their right of abode at the border. However, under the new procedures this arrangement is no longer valid:
- British dual nationals can no longer enter the UK using only a foreign passport.
- Instead, they must present a valid British passport or certificate of residency to board a flight, ferry or train to the UK.
- Without one of these documents, the carrier is legally obliged to refuse boarding before the passenger reaches UK immigration control.
A Certificate of Rights, which is attached to a foreign passport to prove a person’s right to enter the UK as a citizen, costs around £589, which is high compared to the relatively cheap UK passport application (around £94.50). Critics argue the rules effectively treat British dual nationals as foreign travelers in the country unless they have the correct documentation, a situation some say is discriminatory and a miscommunication from authorities.
How digital consent affects UK border controls
The backbone of the new system is the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization scheme, which functions somewhat similarly to the US’s ESTA or the EU’s upcoming ETIAS system:
- Visitors who do not require a visa must obtain at least an estimated time of arrival before departure, and airlines are now required to check digital authorization status before boarding.
- The confirmed ETA is digitally linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for multiple entries within a defined period, usually two years or until the passport expires.
- British and Irish citizens are not required to obtain an ETA, but for dual nationals seeking to travel using only the other nationality’s passport, there is no mechanism for obtaining an ETA as UK entry rights cannot be proven via this route.
The move to digital border clearances is part of the UK’s wider strategy to modernize security and immigration screening, reduce queues at ports of entry and prevent unauthorized travel, but rapid implementation and a lack of widespread traveler awareness have created operational challenges for many dual nationals.
Impact on British dual citizenship overseas, particularly in the UAE
For British nationals who also hold another citizenship and live overseas, including the United Arab Emirates where many British expats regularly live, work and travel, the changes will have real consequences:
- People returning to the UK after a long stay abroad may find themselves unable to board a flight without the correct passport documentation.
- Those who have never held a British passport – common among some children born abroad to British parents – must now apply, potentially facing lengthy processing times and administrative hurdles.
- Certificates of Entitlement, while an option, are costly and take time to obtain, making last-minute travel planning difficult or impossible without proper preparation.
- Even though airlines may accept some expired British passports at their discretion, this is not guaranteed and travelers may face being denied boarding.
Social media and travel forums are flooded with accounts from British dual citizens who only learned of the new requirements at the airport or when trying to book a flight. Their experiences highlight gaps in advocacy and communication about policy changes. The rollout of the changes has drawn criticism from politicians, advocacy groups and travelers:The Lib Dems and other politicians have urged the UK government to delay or amend the rules, arguing citizens should not face barriers simply because they hold dual citizenship. Some campaigners have highlighted the profound impact on individuals, from families missing out on important life events to professionals facing travel disruption, and argue that without appropriate transitional measures the new rules will put dual nationals at a disproportionate disadvantage.Despite these objections, the Home Office insists it has been running an ongoing public awareness campaign since 2023 and that the rules support enhanced border security and a more efficient digital travel system. However, frustration has been exacerbated by fast execution with limited grace periods.
What travelers to the UK need to do now
If you hold British citizenship alongside another nationality and plan to travel to the UK from the UAE or elsewhere:
- Before booking travel, please ensure you have a valid British passport.
If you are unable to obtain a passport in time, consider applying for a Certificate of Entitlement, but be aware of the fees and processing times. - Please check carrier and airline requirements carefully as there is no ETA workaround for dual nationals.
- Plan ahead as applying for a passport from abroad can take weeks or months.
- Follow the UK Government’s Official Guidance (GOV.UK) for updates on digital certificates and transition arrangements.
Starting from February 25, 2026, the UK will fully implement the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-free travelers, requiring digital customs clearance before departure. British dual nationals can no longer travel solely on a non-British passport and must present a valid British passport or an expensive Certificate of Entitlement to board a flight to the UK. The rule change has sparked confusion, travel disruptions and political debate, particularly among dual citizens overseas, including those from the UAE. Travelers are urged to check documents and prepare in advance to avoid denied boarding or entry issues.
