Key Takeaways
- Australian/British/Irish dual citizens will no longer be able to use their Australian passport to enter the UK from February 25
- Dual citizens will have to carry two passports if they want to travel to the UK and return to Australia
- The cost of a British passport application by Australian residents is about AU$280, while an Irish passport application costs about AU$156
- The certificate of entitlement (COE) is the most expensive option, costing about AU$1,180
- Australian travellers will have to pay the cost of an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) when going to the UK, which costs about AU$32
Introduction to the New Passport Rules
The UK government has announced changes to passport regulations that will affect Australian/British/Irish dual citizens. From February 25, these individuals will no longer be able to use their Australian passport to enter the UK. This change has caused frustration among dual citizens, including 61-year-old Ian Fletcher, who is planning to travel to Europe with his wife in April. Fletcher, who has not held a British passport in 25 years, will have to rush to get a new one, which could take between six and 13 weeks to process.
The Impact on Dual Citizens
The new rules will require Australian/British/Irish dual citizens to carry two passports if they want to travel to the UK and return to Australia. They will have to use either a valid British or Irish passport, or another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement (COE). A COE is proof that the individual has the right to abode in the UK, which all British citizens have. This certificate allows the individual to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions or a time limit. However, the COE is the most expensive option, costing about AU$1,180.
The Costs Involved
The cost of a British passport application by Australian residents is about AU$280, while an Irish passport application costs about AU$156. In addition to the cost of the passport, dual citizens will also have to pay for a copy of their UK birth certificate, which can cost a few hundred dollars. The UK government recommends that individuals do not book travel until they have their new and valid passport, as it will have a different number. The changes have come as a surprise to many dual citizens, who will have to choose whether to pay for a British or Irish passport, the COE, or renounce their British citizenship.
How to Determine Dual Citizenship
Whether an individual is a dual citizen depends on the laws of Australia and their other country. An individual may be a dual citizen if they have a parent who is a national of another country, marry a national of another country, apply for and receive citizenship of another country and do not lose their Australian citizenship, remain a citizen of another country and become an Australian citizen, or were born overseas. It is possible to check with the local embassy or consulate to determine if an individual is a dual citizen. Additionally, individuals do not automatically lose their other citizenship when they become an Australian citizen, and there are often formal processes that have to be undertaken if they want to denounce their original nationality.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation
From February 25, Australian citizens will have to pay the cost of an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) when going to the UK. An ETA gives permission for a person without UK immigration status or citizenship to travel to the country and visit for up to six months. The reasons for visiting include seeing family or tourism. An ETA usually costs £16 (AU$32), and everyone in the family, including babies and children, must have one. This change will affect all Australian travellers, not just dual citizens, and is part of the UK government’s efforts to digitise the immigration system and pave the way for a contactless UK border in the future.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The changes to the UK’s passport regulations will have a significant impact on Australian/British/Irish dual citizens and Australian travellers. It is essential for individuals to understand the new rules and the costs involved in obtaining a British or Irish passport, or a COE. The UK government’s recommendation to not book travel until a new and valid passport is obtained is crucial to avoid any issues with entry to the UK. By understanding the new rules and taking the necessary steps, individuals can ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip to the UK.
