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From 25 February 2026, the United Kingdom will introduce new border entry requirements that affect dual citizens, including many Australians who also hold British or Irish citizenship. The changes are part of the UK’s wider move towards digital border controls and will have practical implications for frequent travellers, second-home owners, investors, and expatriates.
For readers of EuropeanProperty.com — particularly those who own property in the UK or travel regularly between Europe, Australia, and the UK — understanding these changes is essential to avoid travel disruption.
Why the UK Is Changing Its Entry Rules
The UK government is rolling out a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors from visa-free countries such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
The ETA is a pre-travel digital permission designed to:
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Improve border security
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Allow screening before travellers depart
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Align the UK with similar systems such as the US ESTA and EU ETIAS
British and Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA, but this exemption has led to stricter enforcement of which passport dual nationals must use when travelling.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
Key Rule Change from 25 February 2026
Dual Citizens Must Use Their British or Irish Passport
If you hold British or Irish citizenship, including as a dual national, you must enter the UK using:
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A valid British passport, or
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A valid Irish passport, or
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A Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode
You cannot enter the UK using only a foreign passport (such as an Australian passport) if you are entitled to British or Irish citizenship.
Airlines will check compliance before boarding, meaning travellers without the correct documentation may be refused travel.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
You must apply for a UK ETA if:
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You are not a British or Irish citizen
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You are travelling to the UK for short stays (tourism, business, family visits)
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You are from a visa-free country (e.g. Australia, USA, Canada)
You do not need an ETA if you are:
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A British citizen
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An Irish citizen
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A dual citizen travelling on a British or Irish passport
ETA holders cannot use the ETA as a substitute for British citizenship.
How to Apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
ETA Application Process
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Apply online via the UK government website or official app
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Provide passport details and personal information
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Answer basic security questions
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Pay the application fee
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Receive digital confirmation (linked to your passport)
Most ETAs are approved quickly, but travellers are advised to apply well in advance of travel.
Official ETA guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
Certificate of Entitlement: An Alternative for Dual Citizens
What Is a Certificate of Entitlement?
A Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode is an official UK document placed inside a foreign passport. It proves the holder has:
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The unrestricted right to enter, live, and work in the UK
It is mainly used by:
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Dual citizens without a valid British passport
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Individuals who prefer to travel on a non-UK passport
Important Considerations
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More expensive than a UK passport
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Longer processing times
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Valid only while the passport it is attached to remains valid
Certificate of Entitlement guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode
Practical Impact for Property Owners and Expats
For overseas UK property owners, landlords, and expatriates, these changes may affect:
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Short-notice travel for property inspections or sales
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Seasonal visits to UK homes
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Family or inheritance-related travel
Travellers who previously relied on a non-UK passport should check documentation well before booking flights in 2026.
What Travellers Should Do Now
✔ Confirm your citizenship status
✔ Check the validity of your British or Irish passport
✔ Renew passports early if required
✔ Apply for an ETA if you are not British or Irish
✔ Consider a Certificate of Entitlement only if necessary
Why This Matters
The UK’s move reflects a broader global shift toward digital border control systems. While designed to improve security and efficiency, the changes reduce flexibility for dual nationals who previously travelled using different passports interchangeably.
For internationally mobile individuals — particularly those with property, business, or family ties across borders — preparation is now essential.
Further Official Information
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UK ETA overview:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta -
Right of Abode and Certificate of Entitlement:
https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode -
Australian government UK travel advice:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/united-kingdom -
Detailed reporting and analysis:
https://www.theguardian.com
https://www.abc.net.au/news
