British Dual Nationals – Entry Requirements for the United Kingdom
From 25 February 2026, new travel requirements apply to British dual nationals entering the United Kingdom.
British citizens who also hold another nationality must ensure that they travel to the UK using the correct documentation in order to avoid delays or refusal of entry.
At TM Fortis Solicitors, our experienced immigration solicitors advise individuals on Right of Abode documentation, Certificates of Entitlement, and British citizenship travel requirements.
Dual Citizenship in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom allows dual nationality, meaning that a person can hold British citizenship and citizenship of another country at the same time.
British citizens are not required to apply for dual nationality in the UK. Many individuals automatically acquire another nationality through:
- Birth in another country
- Marriage
- Descent from parents or grandparents
- Naturalisation in another country
In many cases, it is possible to acquire a foreign nationality without losing British citizenship.
New Entry Requirement for British Dual Nationals (From 25 February 2026)
From 25 February 2026, British citizens who also hold another nationality must travel to the UK using one of the following:
- A valid British passport, or
- A valid Irish passport, or
- A foreign passport containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode
British dual nationals will no longer be able to rely solely on a foreign passport when travelling to the United Kingdom.
Travelling without the correct documentation may result in delays at the UK border or refusal of boarding by airlines.
Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode
A Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode confirms that a person has the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom without immigration restrictions.
Individuals who hold the Right of Abode may:
- Enter the UK without a visa
- Live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions
- Study in the UK without immigration permission
From 25 February 2026, Certificates of Entitlement will be issued digitally and linked to a UKVI account, rather than being attached to a physical passport.
When a Certificate of Entitlement May Be Needed
A Certificate of Entitlement may be useful for individuals who:
- Are British citizens but do not have a valid British passport
- Need to travel urgently to the United Kingdom
- Hold another nationality and travel using a foreign passport
In some situations, applying for a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode may be quicker than obtaining a new British passport.
Right of Abode in the United Kingdom
The Right of Abode allows individuals to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions.
People who may qualify for the Right of Abode include:
- British citizens
- Certain Commonwealth citizens with a qualifying connection to the UK
The Right of Abode is usually confirmed through either:
- A British passport, or
- A Certificate of Entitlement
How Our Immigration Solicitors Can Help
Our specialist immigration solicitors provide advice on British citizenship and Right of Abode documentation.
We assist clients with:
- Applications for a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode
- Advice for British dual nationals travelling to the UK
- British citizenship and passport issues
- Immigration documentation and travel requirements
Our team can guide you through the process to ensure that you have the correct documentation before travelling to the United Kingdom.
Contact Our Immigration Solicitors
If you are a British dual national who needs advice about travelling to the UK or applying for a Certificate of Entitlement, our experienced immigration solicitors can assist.
Contact TM Fortis Solicitors today on 0161 220 6040 to discuss your circumstances and obtain expert legal advice.
