Key Takeaways
- Dual Australian-British citizens need to produce a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to travel to the UK from February 25, 2026.
- Australians who are not British citizens need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK.
- The ETA costs £16 (approximately $32 AUD) and is valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires.
- Dual citizens who cannot produce a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement will face additional identity checks and may be denied boarding.
- The new rules aim to enhance national security and provide a more seamless travel experience for visitors.
Introduction to the New UK Travel Rules
The UK has introduced new travel rules that affect dual Australian-British citizens and Australians traveling to the UK. From February 25, 2026, dual citizens will need to produce a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to avoid being denied boarding. This change has caught many dual citizens off guard, including Danny Flint, a British-Australian man who lives in Brisbane. Flint will need to renew his expired British passport, which will cost him around $600, to travel to the UK with his family.
Impact on Dual Citizens
The new rules have significant implications for dual citizens like Flint, who have been using their Australian passport to travel to the UK. They will no longer be able to use their Australian passport to enter the UK if their British passport has expired. This means that they will need to renew their British passport or obtain a certificate of entitlement, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. Flint is not alone in his concerns, as fellow Queenslander Wendy Hilsum, also a dual UK-Australian citizen, is facing similar issues. Hilsum has been using her Australian passport to travel for years and is now required to renew her British passport or risk being refused travel.
The ETA Requirement for Australians
Australians who are not British citizens will need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK. The ETA costs £16 (approximately $32 AUD) and is valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires. The application process involves providing contact and passport details, a valid photo, and answering a set of suitability and criminality questions. Most applicants receive an automatic decision within minutes when applying through the UK ETA app. The ETA does not allow for paid or unpaid work, and travelers cannot stay in the UK for longer than six months.
Enforcement of the New Rules
The UK Home Office has announced that it will officially enforce the new rules at the border from February 25, 2026. Dual citizens who cannot produce a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement will face additional identity checks and may be denied boarding. The UK Home Office recommends that dual citizens ensure they have a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid problems when traveling to the UK. The new rules aim to enhance national security and provide a more seamless travel experience for visitors. According to UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp, "ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration."
Conclusion and Advice
The new UK travel rules have significant implications for dual Australian-British citizens and Australians traveling to the UK. It is essential for dual citizens to ensure they have a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid being denied boarding. Australians who are not British citizens should apply for a UK ETA before entering the UK. The UK Home Office recommends applying for an ETA at least three business days before traveling. By understanding the new rules and requirements, travelers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to the UK.
