All British citizens have the right of abode in the United Kingdom, which is the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK. They are exempt from immigration control. Although they do not require leave from an immigration officer to enter, they must be able to demonstrate that right when travelling.
In practice, this is done by presenting either a current British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode. Most British citizens use a British passport for entry and exit.
A Certificate of Entitlement is an official endorsement issued to a foreign passport. It has traditionally been provided as a vignette affixed to the holder’s passport, and the Home Office is moving to issue it in digital form. It is not possible to hold a valid British passport and a Certificate of Entitlement at the same time.
What is an ETA and who it is for
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel to the UK. It is verified by carriers before departure and functions as a pre‑clearance check. An ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee admission. Final entry decisions remain with Border Force at the UK border.
The ETA has now been fully rolled out and applies to nationals of countries that do not require a visa for short visits to the UK, commonly referred to as visa‑exempt or non‑visa nationals. This includes, for example, citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and EU/EEA/Schengen member states.
The ETA currently costs £16 to obtain (the Government has indicated an intention to increase this to £20), it is valid for two years from approval and can be used for multiple trips during the validity period, with stays of up to six months per visit.
British citizens and Irish citizens, whether sole or dual nationals. are not eligible for an ETA.
What is changing and when it takes effect
Until now, many dual British nationals whose other nationality is from a non‑visa national country (one that does not require a UK visit visa) could travel to the UK with an ETA linked to their foreign passport without having to hold a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (CoE). While this was technically permissible, it sometimes led to delays at the border while Border Force verified their right of abode. Issues upon entry were less common where travellers used automated eGates.
From 25 February 2026, that flexibility ends. British citizens are not eligible for an ETA, and carriers will undertake mandatory digital pre‑departure checks to confirm either a valid ETA or a recognised ETA exemption. For British dual citizens, travelling on a non‑UK passport alone, even one that would ordinarily qualify for visa‑free entry or an ETA, will no longer be sufficient. Without acceptable proof of British citizenship and right of abode, boarding may be refused.
From that date, British dual citizens must travel with one of the following:
- A valid British passport (strongly recommended); or
- A non‑UK passport containing a valid Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (which may be issued in digital form); or
- A UK Emergency Travel Document for urgent or exceptional circumstances only.
A citizenship certificate (for example, a certificate of registration or naturalisation) is not a travel document and cannot, on its own, be used to satisfy carrier checks. Anyone who does not currently hold an accepted document should obtain it before travelling to avoid disruption.
Recommended actions
To avoid disruption from 25 February 2026, British dual citizens should ensure acceptable evidence of the right of abode is in place before travel.
Apply for or renew a British passport (preferred option)
- Indicative UK online fees: approximately £94.50 for an adult and £61.50 for a child under 16.
- Processing time: varies by season and location; allow several weeks, and longer if applying from overseas.
Apply for a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (only if no valid British passport is held)
- Fee: £589.
- Processing time: typically several weeks. As an indicative range, allow around 6–12 weeks, with overseas applications often taking longer. Priority service is generally not available.
- The certificate must be embedded in, or digitally linked to, the current foreign passport and will need to be updated whenever that passport is renewed.
- From 26 February 2026, certificates will be issued digitally and must be linked to the holder’s foreign passport via a UKVI account. Create the UKVI account early and keep passport details up to date.
- A Certificate of Entitlement cannot be held alongside a current British passport.
Consider an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) only for urgent, single‑journey travel
- Fee: £125.
- Processing time: usually quick. Many posts can issue an ETD within 1–3 working days of an appointment, but it can take up to a week or more depending on local capacity, security checks and courier logistics. Availability of appointments varies by post.
- Issued at the UK’s discretion in urgent or exceptional circumstances; not suitable for routine travel.
British‑Irish dual nationals may travel on an Irish passport
- Indicative fee: €75 for a standard adult Irish passport.
- Irish citizens may continue to use an Irish passport to enter the UK under Common Travel Area arrangements.
Changes to certificates of entitlement to the right of abode
Certificates of Entitlement can only be issued to British citizens that do not hold a British passport.
From 26 February 2026, Certificates of Entitlement (CoE) will no longer be issued as physical vignettes in a foreign passport. Instead, approved applicants will receive a digital CoE.
To use a digital CoE, the holder must create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and access it via the eVisa process used for non‑British nationals.
The digital CoE will be linked to the holder’s current foreign passport. When that passport is renewed, there is no need to reapply or pay for a new CoE. The holder must simply update their UKVI account so the CoE is linked to the new passport details.
Holders of a physical CoE that is still valid on 26 February 2026 will automatically receive a digital version free of charge. They will need to create a UKVI account and keep their passport details updated when their foreign passport changes.
Individuals whose CoE expires before 26 February 2026 must make a fresh application if they wish to renew their certificate.
Expired British passports
The Home Office has indicated that, at carriers’ discretion, an expired British passport may be accepted to evidence British citizenship for boarding. This is not guaranteed; obtain written confirmation from the carrier in advance and do not rely on this as a routine solution.
Practical tips
Do not rely on a citizenship certificate (e.g., naturalisation or registration certificate). It is not a travel document and will not satisfy carrier checks on its own.
Avoid booking non‑refundable travel until the British passport or Certificate of Entitlement is issued (and, if digital, correctly linked to the foreign passport).
If already overseas, check local application routes, appointment availability and courier requirements at the earliest opportunity.
It is possible to use one passport to exit a country and to enter another country on a different one. You just need to make sure the same passport is used to enter and exit the same country on the same trip.
For example, if you’re travelling to the UK from France, you could use your French passport to exit France and use your British passport to enter the UK. And when you go back to France, you should use your British passport to exit the UK and your French one to enter France.
FAQs
I am a Brit with Canadian citizenship. Do I need a British passport to travel to the UK, or can I apply for an ETA?
As a British citizen, you are not eligible for an ETA. To travel to the UK you must present either a valid British passport, or if you do not hold one then your Canadian passport linked to a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode. The same requirement applies to children who are British citizens.
I am British. My children were born in Czechia. Do they need a British passport to travel to the UK?
If a child was born in Czechia to at least one parent who is British, and the child is automatically British but currently has only a Czech passport and has never applied for a British passport, they need to obtain one in order to travel to the United Kingdom after 25 February 2026. Additionally, if a child is a British citizen, they cannot use an ETA for travel to the United Kingdom. They will need a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement linked to their Czech passport.
You should establish whether your children are British: Check if you’re British and if they are, you should apply for a passport or certificate of entitlement (or their parent should on their behalf).
What about Australians who may be British but have never “claimed” it?
British citizenship can arise automatically by operation of law. It does not need to be “claimed”. If you meet the requisite conditions at the time of your birth, you are British regardless of whether you have ever held a UK passport. A passport confirms citizenship; it does not create it.
This is set out here: Check if you’re British.
Contact with the UK Government, or not, doesn’t affect your citizenship status. If you are a British citizen but have never held a passport, you either need to apply for one or you must obtain a Certificate of Entitlement linked to your Australian passport.
How we can help
We advise individuals, families and organisations on UK nationality and travel documentation. Support includes:
- Rapid triage on the most suitable route (British passport vs CoE vs ETD) based on itinerary and status.
- End‑to‑end British passport and CoE applications, including evidence collation, statements, and UKVI account setup for digital CoE linking.
- Urgent assistance for travellers already abroad, including appointment strategies, application guidance and courier arrangements.
- Nationality assessments (including citizenship by descent) and strategic advice on long‑term options, including the implications of renunciation.
- Employer and group travel audits to ensure compliance across touring parties, performers, sports teams and corporate travellers.
Contact Distinct Law for assistance.
