Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 Dual nationals face scramble for UK passports as new rules come into force

Entry requirements to the UK for dual nationals are being overhauled as part of sweeping changes to the immigration system.
From February 25, British-Latvian dual national Jelena will no longer be able to enter the UK with her foreign passport, as per new rules that apply to dual nationals. The changes aim to streamline and modernize the UK's immigration system but have left many dual nationals like Jelena feeling betrayed and stranded. Under the existing rules, British dual nationals could travel to the UK using their foreign passport. However, from February 25, dual nationals will need to show either a British passport or a new digital version of the certificate of entitlement attached to their second nationality passport. Without these documents, they may face being denied entry into the UK. Many dual nationals have been caught off guard by the changes and are struggling to apply for the necessary documentation in time. Some are considering renouncing their citizenship over the new requirements, while others are facing expensive and complicated procedures. Critics argue that the government has not done enough to warn dual nationals of the impact these changes will have on them, and that more needs to be done to support those affected. The Home Office claims that public information about the changes has been available since October 2024, but many dual nationals say they were unaware of the new requirements until it was too late.
  >>