UK Border Rules 2026: Essential Update for British & Irish Dual Citizens

From 25 February 2026, important changes to UK border entry requirements will affect British and Irish dual citizens, particularly those who typically travel on a non‑UK passport. These updates will impact Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) eligibility, passport requirements, and the documents airlines will accept at check‑in.

Below will cover the essential information travellers need to know, based on the official UK Government announcement.

Do British & Irish dual citizens need an ETA in 2026?

The UK Government has confirmed that British and Irish citizens do not require an ETA. This is because the ETA system is designed for non‑British, non‑Irish travellers. Dual citizens will no longer be able to obtain an ETA, even if their other nationality would normally qualify.

Here’s the key change:

From 25 February 2026, dual citizens MUST enter the UK using one of the following mandatory travel documents that proves their British or Irish citizenship.

Airlines will not rely on verbal declarations or assumptions, the travel documents you present must clearly show your exemption from ETA.

Mandatory travel documents for dual citizens after 25 February 2026

To board a flight or ferry to the UK after this date, dual citizens must present one of the following:

A valid British passport
A valid Irish passport
A foreign passport containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (applicable to British citizens only).

Travelling with only a foreign passport (including Australian, EU or US passports) will result in denied boarding, even before reaching UK border control. Airlines are being instructed to strictly enforce these rules.

Note for Australian – British/Irish Dual Citizens: To meet Australian immigration requirements Australian – British/Irish dual citizens are still required to use their Australian passport when departing or entering Australia, and so you should carry both your Australian passport and British/Irish passport when travelling between Australia and the UK. For other nationalities please check your local immigration requirements.

Why these changes are happening

The new rule aligns with the UK’s rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Carriers will face penalties if they transport passengers without the correct documentation, so passport verification will happen at check‑in, not just at the border.

As of 25 February 2026, British or Irish dual citizens will no longer be able to present an ETA and must present a valid Irish or UK passport, or foreign passport with a valid Certificate of Entitlement. Without one of these, the airline must refuse boarding.