Major update as new UK passport rules to start next Wednesday | UK | News
Dual British citizens could be allowed to use their expired UK passports to fly home, just days before strict new travel rules come into force. From 25 February, dual nationals will be expected to present a valid British passport or digital PoE when traveling to the UK. Without this permission, carriers are required to refuse boarding under the government’s new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) regime.
The Certificate of Entitlement, which replaces the physical vignette tag and is digitally attached to a foreign passport, costs £589. The change is part of a wider rollout of the UK’s ETA system, which requires visa-free visitors to obtain digital permission to travel to Britain before boarding a plane. The ETA currently costs £10 and allows multiple visits over two years.
British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from the ETA requirement. But under the new rules of practice, dual nationals are still expected to prove their British status with a valid UK passport or certificate.
Confusion has increased among dual British nationals who do not currently hold a valid UK passport, particularly those who are currently abroad or have booked travel in the near future.
The Home Office has now said airlines and other carriers can, at their discretion, accept an expired British passport as an alternative document – provided passengers are also traveling with a valid foreign passport.
It is not stated how old an expired passport might be, but separate guidance states that passports issued from 1989 onwards may be taken into account.
A Home Office spokesman said ITV News: “Carriers may, at their discretion, accept an expired British passport as an alternative document. Additionally, people who previously held a British passport can apply for an emergency travel document if they need to enter the UK urgently.”
The spokesman added: “In line with current practice, upon arrival at the UK border Border Force will continue to assess the person’s suitability to enter the UK and carry out additional checks if necessary.”
Previously, the ministry had stated that passengers would need a “valid British passport” or Proof of Entitlement to board the ship.
The Liberal Democrats called for additional time to avoid disruption. Immigration and asylum spokesman Will Forster said: “The government’s approach has left dual nationals in a completely difficult position.”
Will Forster wrote of X: “Many people who do not currently hold a British passport find themselves stranded abroad or having to save a large sum to get back home.”
Luke Petherbridge, public relations manager at travel trade body ABTA, told ITV: “There is confusion and uncertainty about the changes, particularly for dual British nationals returning from overseas trips in the coming weeks.”
Luke Petherbridge said: “Although official advice remains for UK citizens to travel with a British passport or certificate from 25 February, people may also be allowed to board with alternative evidence if necessary.”
The government says this revision is part of a move to a fully digital border system, under which carriers must verify passengers’ travel authorization through automated checks with Home Office records before departure.
Officials insist the guidance has been available since 2024 and that carriers worldwide have the necessary tools to conduct digital status checks.
But with rules coming into force next Wednesday, dual nationals without a valid UK passport will face uncertainty and potentially heavy costs if carriers refuse to accept alternative evidence.
