UK-Australia Dual Citizens: Passport Rule Changes Explained

Travelling to the United Kingdom has become more complicated for Australians with British dual citizenship, as new rules require them to use their British passport for travel.

British Passport Rules Changing for Dual Citizens

Anyone with British or Irish citizenship has an automatic right to enter, live and work in the UK. For years, dual citizens from countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada could travel using their non-British passport, subject to border control checks.

However, from February 25, the UK’s Home Office will strictly enforce new pre-departure checks tied to its electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system. The ETA is a digital screening process for visitors from visa-exempt countries.

British and Irish dual citizens are not eligible for an ETA, meaning they must travel using their British or Irish passport – or have a certificate of entitlement in their other passport.

What Do Dual Citizens Have to Do Now?

British dual citizens have three options to enter the UK: renounce their citizenship, show a current British passport, or show a certificate of entitlement of the right of abode, which is an official document attached to a person’s foreign passport. Applying for a certificate of entitlement costs $1,182 AUD, while a new British passport costs $190 AUD for adults.

Those with urgent travel needs before February 24 can apply for an emergency travel document, provided they have a valid passport for a non-visa national country.

How Will the New ETA System Impact Australian Citizens?

Australians travelling to the UK for holidays or work are now required to fill out details for a digital permit, costing £10 (around $20) and lasting for two years. Passengers should apply for the ETA at least three days before travel. The permit is also required for those transiting through the UK, even without going through border control.

Why Has This Change Been Made?

A House of Commons research briefing noted that airlines wouldn’t know dual citizens were exempt from immigration control if they booked flights using only their non-British passport. Airlines are required to check if a passenger has obtained an ETA before boarding, and may be fined for bringing inadequately documented passengers to the UK.

British dual citizens have been advised to travel using their British passport for “many months,” but transitional arrangements will end in early 2026.

While there is no official data on how many dual Australian-British citizens live in Australia, the changes are likely to impact tens of thousands of people. According to the Department of Home Affairs, 12,674 people from the UK became citizens last year. There are 964,000 people born in England living in Australia according to the ABS, however that includes people on temporary visas.