Passport panic? What do the UK’s new rules mean for dual nationals in the Gulf?
From 25 February 2026, the UK has implemented sweeping changes to its border entry regime which has complicated travel for British citizens with dual nationality, including those living in the UAE and other parts of the world.
The latest phase of the UK’s digital border transformation is focusing on the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system and new documentation requirements for dual nationals returning to the UK, leading to confusion, travel delays and a last-minute rush for passports among travellers.Under the updated rules, all visitors who could previously enter the UK without a visa, including citizens of countries such as the US, Canada, Australia and members of the European Union, must obtain an electronic pre-arrival permit before arriving.
However, for dual British citizens, the implications extend beyond the ETA system itself: they must now prove their right to enter the UK with very specific documents or risk being denied boarding by airlines before departure.
What has changed for dual British citizens?
Historically, many dual British citizens, for example, those who hold both British and Emirati citizenship or other foreign passports, have been able to use their non-UK passports to travel without special permits and thus rely on their right of abode at the border. However, this arrangement is no longer valid under the new procedures:
- Dual British nationals can no longer enter the UK using only their foreign passport.
- Instead, they must present a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement to Residence in order to board a flight, ferry or train to the UK.
- Without one of these documents, carriers are legally obligated to refuse boarding even before travelers reach UK immigration checkpoints.
A certificate of entitlement, which attaches to a foreign passport to prove a person’s right to enter the UK as a citizen, can cost around £589, which is a hefty price compared to applying for a relatively inexpensive British passport (around £94.50).
Critics argue that these rules effectively treat dual British citizens as foreign travelers in their own country unless they have the correct documentation, a situation that some say is discriminatory and miscommunication by authorities.
How digital permissions shape UK border control
The backbone of the new system is the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization system, which works somewhat like the US’s ESTA system or the EU’s upcoming ETIAS system:
- Visitors who do not require a visa must obtain at least an ETA before departure and airlines are now required to check their digital authorization status before boarding.
- A digitally confirmed ETA is linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for entry multiple times within a specified period, usually two years or until the passport expires.
- British and Irish citizens are exempt from the need for an e-arrival permit, but for dual nationals trying to travel using only their other nationality’s passport, there is no mechanism for obtaining an e-arrival permit, as the right to enter the UK cannot be proven via this route.
The move to digital border permissions is part of a wider UK strategy to modernize security screening and immigration, reduce queues at ports of entry and prevent unauthorized travel, but rapid implementation and a widespread lack of awareness among travelers has led to operational challenges for many dual nationals.
The impact on dual British citizens abroad, especially in the UAE
For British citizens who also hold another nationality and reside abroad, including in the UAE, where many British expatriates regularly live, work and travel, the changes have practical implications:
- People returning to the UK after an extended stay abroad may find themselves unable to board flights if they lack the correct passport documents.
- Those who have never held a British passport, which is common among some children born abroad to British parents, must now apply for citizenship, potentially facing long processing times and administrative hurdles.
- A certificate of entitlement, although an option, is expensive and time-consuming to obtain, making last-minute travel plans difficult or impossible without proper preparation.
- Even some expired British passports may be accepted by airlines at their discretion, but there is no guarantee and travelers may face being refused boarding.
Social media and travel forums were filled with accounts of dual British citizens who only learned of the new requirements at the airport or while trying to book flights. Their experiences highlighted gaps in communication and policy change communication. The introduction of these changes has drawn criticism from politicians, advocacy groups and travelers alike:The Liberal Democrats and other politicians have urged the UK government to delay or review the rules, arguing that citizens should not face hurdles simply because they hold dual citizenship.
Some activists highlight the deeply personal consequences, from families missing out on important life events to professionals facing travel disruption, and argue that the new rules disproportionately harm dual citizens without adequate transitional measures.Despite these objections, the UK Home Office insists that public awareness campaigns have been ongoing since 2023 and that the rules support greater border security and a more efficient digital travel system.
However, rapid implementation with a limited grace period exacerbated frustrations.
What travelers to the UK need to do now
If you hold British citizenship alongside another nationality and plan to travel to the UK from the UAE or elsewhere:
- Make sure you have a valid British passport before booking travel.
Consider applying for a Certificate of Entitlement if you cannot obtain a passport in time, but be aware of the cost and processing time. - Check your carrier and airline requirements carefully, as there is no alternative solution to the ETA for dual nationals.
- Plan ahead because passport applications from abroad can take several weeks or months.
- Monitor official UK Government guidance (GOV.UK) for updates on digital certificates and transitional arrangements.
As of 25 February 2026, the UK has fully implemented the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt travellers, which requires a digital authorization to be obtained before departure. Dual British nationals can no longer travel using only their non-UK passport and must present a valid British passport or an expensive certificate of entitlement to board flights to the UK. The rule change has sparked confusion, travel disruption and political debate, especially among dual citizens of the United States Abroad, including the United Arab Emirates.
Travelers are urged to check documents and prepare in advance to avoid issues of denied boarding or entry.
