Any Brits with dual nationality issued passport warning as new rules introduced

From today (25 Feb), British dual nationals could be refused entry into the UK if they do not meet a major new passport requirement.

A scheme rolled out by the Home Office has now made it difficult for members of this group to enter the country if they're without a British passport.

As a reminder, a new UK passport currently costs £94.50 to purchase online.

In cases where a UK passport hasn't been obtained, a traveller into the country must have, instead, obtained a 'certificate of entitlement' in order to be permitted entry onto a flight, a ferry or a train.

The latter document costs an even more staggering £589.

Whilst airlines have been informed they can accept other forms of citizenship proof, if a disorganised traveller fails to provide evidence of the correct documentation, staff now withhold the right to turn them away.

If they don't have a UK passport, a dual national must present a 'certificate of entitlement' (Getty Stock Images)

Ryanair bosses, for example, have claimed their staff on the ground will be lenient with other evidence of UK citizenship, providing the example of an expired British passport.

"Without [a British passport or certificate of entitlement], carriers cannot verify they are a British citizen, which may lead to delays or refused boarding," a spokesperson for the Home Office explained, as per Sky News.

For anyone still confused, the new rules apply to British passengers who are also citizens of another country.

These are individuals who have either held dual nationality since birth, been born in the UK but have since acquired citizenship from another country, or naturalised British citizens who hold another nationality.

The legislation will also require visitors from 85 non-visa countries to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to their arrival in the UK. This aspect of the scheme does not apply to British and Irish dual citizens.

A UK passport will now be required by British dual nationals (Getty Stock Images)

ETAs cost £16, last up to two years, and allow for multiple journeys into and out of the UK. They also permit passengers who've acquired one to stay in the country for up to six months.

On top of this, anyone who previously bore a physical certificate of entitlement must now swap it out for a new digital one. To do this, and to link it to their foreign passport, passengers will be required to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

Prior guidance used to permit dual nationals to travel into the UK using their foreign passport, without the need for a certificate of entitlement.

The ETA scheme forms part of the UK government's mission to create a 'more streamlined, digital immigration system'.

According to Metro, the hope is that the installation of these new requirements will both shorten the queues of people waiting at the UK border and prevent illegal individuals from entering the country.

The plan is for the new scheme to reduce passport queues (Getty Stock Images)

In light of the changes, dual citizens have been advised to ensure all appropriate documents are in order before booking or attempting travel to the UK.

In cases of dual nationals that are currently abroad without either a UK passport or a 'certificate of entitlement', the government has urged them to apply for an emergency travel document at a British embassy before they attempt to return to Britain.

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