Dual citizenship child stranded abroad after new UK passport law prevents return from Spain –

An Aberdeenshire family’s holiday has ended in confusion and distress after their 10-month-old child was refused board a flight back to Scotland from Alicante under new UK border rules for dual nationals.Sarah Rodgers, her husband Philip and their two young children were on a short trip to Spain when they tried to return home on a Ryanair flight. However, at the departure gate, Sarah and her young daughter Lily were stopped and told they could not fly.Dual citizenship complicated under new rulesLily, who was born in Scotland and holds dual British and Austrian citizenship, was said to be ineligible to board the plane because she did not have a British passport or residence permit certificate.Under new rules introduced in February 2026, dual British citizens must present either a valid British passport or the special certificate – costing £589 – to enter the UK. Without either document, airlines must deny boarding.Although the family believed Lily could travel using her Austrian passport, they were told this was no longer enough.Confusion at the airport and ETA’s failed attemptThe family first learned of the problem at the airport gate. The next day, they visited the British Embassy in Alicante and were advised to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), but their application was rejected.

Officials later clarified that dual British citizens are not eligible for an eTA, and must instead hold the correct British documents.Stranded and facing weeks of delaysWith no immediate way to return to Scotland, the family paid for an extra night in Alicante before traveling to Austria to stay with relatives.They have since applied for a British passport for Lily, but processing times can take up to ten weeks.

The family says they are also restricted by Schengen visa restrictions, making it difficult to stay in Europe long-term.Sarah described the situation as “shocking” and said it was unreasonable that her British-born child would be refused entry to the UK.The government’s response and defense of the travel rulingThe Home Office said the rule – effective from 25 February 2026 – requires all dual British citizens to present a British passport or certificate of entitlement when traveling to the UK.Officials stated that airlines cannot verify citizenship without the correct documents and may deny boarding if they are not presented. They added that information about the change has been publicly available since 2024 and has been promoted through a wider travel documentation campaign.Broader concerns about communication and influenceCritics say the rule has not been clearly communicated to families, especially those living abroad. Activists say such cases show gaps in awareness that could leave British citizens stranded or separated from their families.Meanwhile, the Aberdeen family remains abroad, awaiting documents that will allow them to return to their home country.