Multiple Passports, One Journey: What British Dual Nationals Need to Know

British Dual Nationals: Important points to note.

British citizen with another nationality? Make sure you know which passport to use before you travel.

If you are a British citizen who also holds another nationality, 2026 has brought important changes to the way travel to the UK is checked.

The key point :

British citizens cannot obtain an ETA to travel to the UK.

This applies even if you hold another nationality and have a passport from another country. In most cases, a British dual national should travel to the UK using a valid British passport.

Do British dual nationals need an ETA?

No.

A British citizen does not need, and cannot obtain, an ETA.

If you are travelling to the UK as a British dual national, you can generally prove your status using:

• a valid British passport;

• another valid passport with a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode, where applicable; or

• a valid Irish passport, where applicable.

The important point is not to assume that you can simply use your other passport and obtain an ETA.

Check your British passport before travelling

If you are travelling to the UK, check your British passport well before your journey.

If it has expired, renewing it before travelling is generally the safest option rather than relying on limited transitional arrangements.

Remember that airlines and other carriers carry out digital checks before boarding. Having the correct documentation can therefore be just as important at the airport as it is at the UK border.

What if you have the Right of Abode?

Not everyone who has a right to live in the UK will necessarily hold a British passport.

If you have the Right of Abode, you may be able to travel using another passport supported by a Certificate of Entitlement.

There has also been an important change in 2026. Certificates of Entitlement have moved from passport stickers to a digital system. The digital certificate is linked to your UKVI account and passport details.

If you believe you have the Right of Abode but are unsure how to prove it when travelling, it is sensible to establish your position before your journey.

Don't forget your other nationality

The UK rules are only one part of the picture.

Your other country of nationality may have its own rules for dual citizens. Some countries require their citizens to enter and leave using that country's national passport.

This is why dual nationals should consider both sides of their journey:

Travelling to the UK: Which document should I use?

Travelling to my other country of nationality: Which passport or document does that country require?

In many cases, carrying both passports is the sensible approach.

Need advice about your nationality or passport position?

At TMP | LAW Solicitors, we advise on UK immigration and nationality law, including British citizenship, dual nationality and Right of Abode.

If you are unsure about your nationality status, which passport you should use, or what documents you need before travelling, taking advice before you travel can help you avoid unnecessary problems at the airport or border.

TMP | LAW Solicitors Immigration & Nationality Law

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Nationality and travel requirements can depend on individual circumstances and the laws of the other country concerned. Requirements can change, so current requirements should always be checked before travelling.