UK Home Office Lifts Passport Requirement for Some Dual Nationals

British dual nationals who are EU citizens with post-Brexit settled status in the UK will no longer be required to present a British passport to return to the country, following a recent U-turn by the Home Office. The change impacts individuals who previously faced potential travel disruptions due to the new border rules implemented on February 25, 2026.

Background on the New Rules

New regulations, enacted on February 25, 2026, mandated that dual British nationals present either a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement – costing £589 – before boarding a flight to the UK. This sparked controversy and left some individuals, particularly EU citizens with settled status who had applied for British citizenship but hadn’t yet received their passports, effectively stranded or facing significant travel complications.

The U-Turn and Who It Affects

The Home Office has updated its citizenship webpage to reflect the change. According to the updated guidance, individuals who obtained British citizenship after settling in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme can now travel to the UK using a valid passport from their other nationality or a national identity card from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland. The Guardian reported on this change on March 14, 2026.

Personal Stories of Disruption

The initial rules caused significant distress for many. Jelena, a Latvian-British dual national, had to alter travel plans with her husband, rerouting a trip from the UK to Latvia after booking a “trip of a lifetime” to South America. Florence was forced to change ferry tickets and miss a trip to witness her elderly father in France while awaiting her British passport.

Criticism of the Home Office’s Communication

Despite the positive change, the Home Office faced criticism for the way the update was communicated. The campaign group the3million, which was informed of the change on March 10, 2026, described the information as being “hidden” on a gov.uk citizenship site, rather than prominently displayed on the main page detailing the new border rules for dual nationals. The Guardian reported that Monique Hawkins, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the3million, expressed disappointment at the lack of consultation and the delayed communication.

What This Change Doesn’t Cover

It’s important to note that this rule change does not apply to all dual nationals. It does not extend to British citizens in the European Union who naturalized after Brexit, nor to EU citizens in the United Kingdom who naturalized without applying for permanent status, or those who left Windrush for independent status.

Broader Context: UK’s Digital Travel Permissions

These changes come as the UK continues to enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. As of February 25, 2026, non-visa nationals are required to obtain an ETA before entering the UK. The ETA costs £16 and is valid for multiple journeys for up to two years. GOV.UK announced the enforcement of this scheme on February 24, 2026.