Key Takeaways:
- Hundreds of thousands of UK-Australian dual citizens will need to enter the UK on a British passport or purchase a certificate of entitlement (COE) from February 25
- The new regulations are causing confusion and frustration among travelers, with many facing delays and potential losses due to the three-to-six-week processing time for passports and COEs
- Travel agents are working around the clock to help clients navigate the changes, with many reporting increased pressure on their businesses
- The British government says the new rules are in line with other countries’ border policies and will strengthen national security
- Descendants of British-born parents are typically counted as dual citizens and will also require a British passport or COE
Introduction to the New Passport Rules
Travel agents in Australia are working through the night to help customers deal with the new passport rules for dual citizens traveling to the UK. From February 25, hundreds of thousands of UK-Australians will need to enter the UK on a British passport or purchase a certificate of entitlement (COE), with both documents taking three to six weeks to be processed. The British government says the new regulations are in line with other countries’ border policies and will strengthen national security. However, the changes have caused confusion and frustration among travelers, with many facing delays and potential losses due to the processing time.
Impact on Travelers and Travel Agents
The new rules are having a significant impact on travelers, particularly those who are elderly or have complex travel arrangements. Belle Goldie, who runs a boutique travel agency in south-west Sydney, said she has had to unpick stage by stage the travel plans of an 85-year-old woman who is taking her husband’s ashes back to the UK for a nine-week holiday. Ms. Goldie said she has had to change the date of the trip because there is no way the woman will get all the paperwork done in time. She also reported that 30 of her clients with trips in the next six weeks have been affected, and one customer was on the phone in tears because they had been told they may lose their $49,000 tour due to the new regulations.
Challenges Faced by Travel Agents
Travel agents are facing significant challenges in helping their clients navigate the new rules. Ms. Goldie said her staff are working around the clock to deal with the volume of inquiries and are under huge pressure. She also reported that the UK passport office doesn’t open until 7 pm AEDT, which means her team members have to work late into the night to speak to them. Ann-Catherine Jones, who runs a travel agency in New South Wales, said she has had to send a message to her whole client database alerting them to the changes, as she couldn’t estimate how many customers would be affected. She said the instructions are not clear, and there are many unknown questions, such as what happens if a family member needs to travel to the UK on an emergency basis.
Response from the British High Commission
The British High Commission in Australia has received a large volume of inquiries from British Australian dual citizens seeking clarity on the new passport rules. In response to a list of detailed questions sent by the ABC, the British High Commission defended the new rules, saying they reflected many other countries’ approach to border security. The commission said the requirement for dual British citizens to have a valid UK passport while entering the country would help prevent the arrival of those who present a threat. For dual citizens who are outside the UK and need to travel back urgently but cannot renew or replace their passports in time, the British High Commission pointed to the existing provision of an Emergency Travel Document (ETD).
Conclusion and Next Steps
The new passport rules for dual citizens traveling to the UK are causing significant disruption and confusion among travelers and travel agents. While the British government says the rules are necessary for national security, many are questioning the timing and implementation of the changes. Travel agents are working hard to help their clients navigate the new rules, but it is clear that many people will be affected, particularly those who are elderly or have complex travel arrangements. It is essential for travelers to be aware of the new rules and to plan ahead to avoid any potential delays or losses. The British High Commission and travel agents are urging travelers to check the official government website for the latest information and to contact them if they have any questions or concerns.
