Passport applications from abroad can take weeks
Due to a change in passport rules, British children born overseas could be denied entry to the UK from next week.
From February 25, 2026, British dual citizens must present a British passport when travelling to the UK or obtain a “certificate of entitlement” costing £589.
The change has caused panic among expatriate families whose children do not yet hold British passports and are due to travel in the coming weeks.
Anyone born overseas to a British parent automatically qualifies for British citizenship, even if they also hold another nationality. They cannot renounce that citizenship until they turn 18.
Under the new rules, these children must either travel on a British passport or pay £589 for a certificate of entitlement confirming their right of abode.
Unlike foreign nationals, they cannot use the UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme. The visa-waiver programme allows eligible visitors to stay in Britain for up to six months for £16.
Passport applications from abroad can take weeks, making it too late for some to secure documents before departure.
The Home Office confirmed the policy applies to children and babies, even if travelling with a parent who holds a valid British passport.
Officials warned that dual British citizens without a British passport risk being refused boarding by airlines or stopped at the UK border.
The UK’s Border Force will have “discretion” over whether to admit them.
The department said the change forms part of efforts to modernise Britain’s digital border system.
A government source said the move would help distinguish between dual British citizens and individuals who overstay visas.
The Home Office said children’s passports are cheaper than adult passports, with a standard child passport costing £61.50. It added that applications are usually processed within three weeks.
Officials also stressed that the certificate of entitlement will now last permanently, meaning applicants only need to apply once.
A spokesperson said it should be treated as a last resort and that British citizens are expected to apply for a passport instead:
“Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024 and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023.
“This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia.”
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