What UK and Ireland Dual Citizens Need to Know About the New Passport Rules Starting February 2026

As of February 25, 2026, dual citizens of the UK and Ireland will be required to follow new passport regulations when traveling to the United Kingdom. This significant change means dual nationals—such as those holding UK and Irish citizenship—will no longer be able to use their foreign passport to enter the UK, including passports from New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Instead, travelers will need to use a valid British or Irish passport, or a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) in their foreign passport, if they wish to visit the UK.

These new rules are part of the UK’s efforts to ensure more stringent control over who enters the country and are being implemented alongside the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. These changes come after a wave of border policy reforms and security upgrades, especially after incidents like the French Crown Jewels heist in 2025, raising further concerns about national security and immigration control.

What Do the New Passport Rules Mean for Dual Citizens?

From February 25, 2026, dual British-Irish citizens who wish to travel to the UK will no longer be able to use their foreign passports (such as a New Zealand passport). They will need to either renew their British or Irish passport or apply for a Certificate of Entitlement (COE). This rule change is the result of stricter border security measures and a new requirement for travelers to use biometric data for entry into the UK.

A Certificate of Entitlement is a document placed inside a foreign passport, indicating that the holder has the right to live and work in the UK. While it allows individuals to travel, it is expensive to obtain at £589 (approx. NZ$1380) when applied outside the UK or Ireland.

In short, dual citizens will have three options:

Renew their UK or Irish passport to meet the travel requirements.
Apply for a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) if they wish to continue using their foreign passport.
Renounce UK citizenship (if they no longer wish to travel with a British passport), though this option has significant legal consequences.

The Role of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System

In addition to the new passport rules, the ETA system will apply to travelers from visa-exempt countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. The ETA is a digital system that travelers will need to apply for online before entering the UK for tourism or short stays. The ETA is not required for British or Irish citizens, or anyone with a COE or the right to live and work in the UK.

The ETA system is designed to streamline immigration and border control, providing authorities with pre-screening information about travelers before they board flights to the UK. The application fee for the ETA is approximately £10 (around $20 AUD), and the system is expected to be fully operational by 2027. Visitors who have already been granted the ETA will not need to apply again for up to two years.

Key Points About the New Rules

Dual citizens with UK and Irish nationality will need to travel with their British or Irish passport to enter the UK.
If using a foreign passport (e.g., New Zealand), travelers must obtain a Certificate of Entitlement (COE).
COE applications cost £589 (approx. NZ$1380) and must be renewed when the passport is renewed.
The ETA system will apply to visa-exempt countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, for short stays and tourism, costing £10.
Travelers must apply for an ETA at least three days before their departure.

What Does This Mean for Business and Tourism Travel?

For business travelers, this change means an added step in preparing for trips to the UK. If you hold dual UK and Irish citizenship, be sure to renew your passport or apply for a COE if you want to travel with your foreign passport. Failure to do so could result in travel delays or being denied entry at the airport.

For tourists, this change could mean a more complex journey to the UK, especially for those who are used to traveling with their New Zealand or Australian passports. While the ETIAS system simplifies the process for most travelers, the added costs of the COE could deter some from visiting.

How to Check Your Dual Citizenship Status

Dual citizenship can be complex. To determine if you are a dual UK citizen, you can check your citizenship status by visiting the UK government website. If you are unsure whether you are a dual citizen, it’s recommended to check with the relevant authorities in both the UK and Ireland or consult a legal advisor.

Quick Tips for Affected Travelers

Check passport validity: Ensure your British or Irish passport is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the UK.
Apply for a COE early: If you prefer using your foreign passport, begin the Certificate of Entitlement process well in advance of your trip.
Get your ETA: For non-British and non-Irish citizens, apply for your ETA online at least three days before travel to avoid last-minute complications.
Don’t renounce without consideration: Renouncing your UK citizenship can have significant legal and personal consequences, so be sure to carefully consider your options.

Conclusion

The UK’s new passport and travel regulations for dual British and Irish citizens are a significant change in how travelers approach visits to the UK. With new rules requiring British passports or Certificates of Entitlement, along with the ETA system for many travelers, it’s essential to stay informed and ensure that travel documents are in order before you embark on your journey. By preparing ahead and understanding the requirements, both tourists and business travelers can enjoy a smooth, hassle-free experience when visiting the UK.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated

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