Starting 25 February 2026, the United Kingdom’s new border entry rules have begun to affect British citizens living abroad — particularly those holding dual nationality in the UAE and other Gulf states — by tightening documentation requirements tied to the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Under the updated regulations, dual British nationals can no longer enter the UK using only their foreign passport and must instead present a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode. Failing to have appropriate documentation could see airlines or other carriers refuse boarding before departure.
The broader ETA programme — now mandatory for most visitors from visa-exempt nations — requires passengers from about 85 countries to secure advance digital permission to travel to the UK. While British and Irish citizens are exempt from needing an ETA, the change nonetheless forces dual nationals to prove their British citizenship at the point of departure, rather than relying on a foreign passport they previously used without issue. Certificates of Entitlement cost around £589 and passport processing times abroad have meant many UK expatriates are scrambling to comply, triggering travel delays and uncertainty for those heading home or planning urgent trips.
Critics, including MPs and campaign groups, argue the sudden enforcement with limited notice has caused confusion and hardship, especially for British nationals unaware of the changes — prompting calls for clearer communication and transitional measures to avoid stranded travelers abroad.
News as reported
