Key Takeaways:
- Australians with British dual citizenship will be required to use their British passport when traveling to the UK from February 25
- Dual citizens have three options to enter the UK: renounce their citizenship, show a current British passport, or show a certificate of entitlement of the right of abode
- The new electronic travel authorization (ETA) system will require Australians to fill out an online application and pay £10 (around $20) for a two-year permit
- The changes are expected to impact tens of thousands of people, including 964,000 people born in England living in Australia
- Airlines will be required to check if a passenger has obtained an ETA before boarding, and may deny boarding to those who cannot provide satisfactory evidence of their eligibility to enter the UK
Introduction to the Changes
Travelling to the United Kingdom has just become more complicated for Australians with British dual citizenship. In the past, Australians with British or Irish citizenship could use the passport they preferred when flying into the UK. However, from next month, new changes will mean dual citizens will be "expected to" use their British passport to travel to the UK. These changes are part of the UK’s new electronic travel authorization (ETA) system, which is a digital screening process for visitors from visa-exempt countries.
Understanding the New ETA System
The ETA system is a digital permit that can be applied for online or through an app, and costs £10 (around $20) for a two-year permit. Australians heading to the UK for a holiday or work trip are required to fill out some details well before they travel. The permit is designed to streamline the travel process and provide an additional layer of security. However, British and Irish dual citizens are not eligible for an ETA, meaning they must travel using their British or Irish passport, or have a certificate of entitlement in their other passport.
Impact on Dual Citizens
British dual citizens have three options to enter the UK: renounce their citizenship, show a current British passport, or show a certificate of entitlement of the right of abode. The latter option is an official document attached to a person’s foreign passport, but it’s much more expensive to apply for, costing $1,182 AUD compared to $190 AUD for a new British passport. People with an urgent need to travel before February 24 can apply for an emergency travel document, as long as they have a valid passport for a non-visa national country.
Reasons Behind the Change
The changes have been made to address the issue of British dual nationals booking flights using only their non-British passport, which can cause problems for airlines and immigration authorities. According to a House of Commons research briefing, if a British dual national booked a flight using only their non-British passport, airlines wouldn’t know they were exempt from immigration control. This can lead to difficulties for the passenger and the airline, as airlines are required to check if a passenger has obtained an ETA before boarding. The briefing notes that British dual citizens have been advised to travel using their British passport for "many months", but the "transitional arrangements would end in early 2026".
Impact on Australian Citizens
The new ETA system will impact Australian citizens traveling to the UK, who will need to apply for the digital permit before their trip. The permit can be applied for online or through an app, and costs £10 (around $20) for a two-year permit. Australians should apply for the ETA at least three days out from their travel date, and will need to provide some personal details as part of the application process. If you are transiting through the UK, even if you are not going through border control, you will also need to apply for an ETA.
Conclusion
The changes to the UK’s immigration rules will have a significant impact on Australians with British dual citizenship, who will need to use their British passport when traveling to the UK from February 25. The new ETA system will also affect Australian citizens traveling to the UK, who will need to apply for a digital permit before their trip. It’s essential for travelers to understand the new rules and requirements to avoid any difficulties or delays when traveling to the UK. By being aware of the changes and taking the necessary steps, travelers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.