A new British passport rule will bring £589 charges from Wednesday.

11:35, Tue, Feb 24, 2026 Updated: 11:39, Tue, Feb 24, 2026

British passports old and new

British passport holders will be hit by a new rule (Image: Getty)

A new British passport rule is set to come into force from Wednesday along with an eyewatering £589 charge.

Starting on February 25, British citizens who are also citizens of another country will need to comply with new passport rules when entering the UK as part of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.

It means that anyone with dual British citizenship, including children, must present a British passport at Border Control or another valid passport which contains a certificate of entitlement. Previously, dual nationals could use a foreign passport instead.

Without them, people could be denied entry into the UK. Confusingly, neither British passports nor certificates of entitlement are issued by default to people who obtain British citizenship, which means some dual nationals have never applied for them, even if they have lived in the UK for decades.

Both documents take several weeks to get and come with significant costs. A British passport is £94.50 for an adult and the certificate of entitlement costs a dizzying £589.

The new rules will not apply to Irish passport holders but other EU citizens will be affected.

However, reports suggest some airlines may allow expired British passports to circumvent the rule at their own discretion, so some travellers may be able to get around the £589 charge.

A Home Office spokesperson, reported by The National, said: "We recognise that this is a significant change for carriers and travellers, but we have been clear on requirements for dual British citizens to travel with a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement, in line with those for all British citizens.

“At their own discretion, carriers can accept an expired British passport as alternative documentation. Separately, individuals who have previously had a British passport can apply for an emergency travel document if they urgently need to enter the UK.”

Another change being brought in with the ETA system include new £16 charges for visitors to the UK who do not have a visa.

Ashley Stothard, immigration lawyer at national law firm Freeths, said: “As a dual national myself, I truly feel for those impacted by the upcoming ETA changes. The hardship reported in the news is entirely avoidable and, frankly, should never have arisen. The UK should have ensured that the public were properly informed about how these changes would affect British citizens, particularly the many dual nationals who routinely travel on their other passport.

“The ETA was introduced last year but not strictly enforced, and until very recently the platform did allow British citizens to apply using their foreign passports. The fact that this option has quietly disappeared without clear public communication has only added to the confusion and distress people are now experiencing.

The day's biggest headlines in UK and World news Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

“A practical and proportionate solution would be to reinstate this functionality, at least temporarily, until the government properly and efficiently informs the public of how the ETA system impacts dual nationals. Doing so would prevent unnecessary disruption while still supporting the aims of the UK’s broader border transformation programme.”