London, United Kingdom. The UK government has clarified that British dual nationals are required to enter the United Kingdom using a valid British passport, as the country prepares to fully roll out its electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system in February.
Home Office says requirement is longstanding
A Home Office spokesperson told the Cyprus Mail that British citizens have always been required to have a valid British passport to enter the UK. The spokesperson said it has also “always been possible” for British dual nationals to enter the country using their non-British passports because “no enforcement operations” were carried out to address the practice.
ETA system and dual nationals
With the ETA system set to be fully rolled out in February for non-British nationals travelling to the UK, the Home Office outlined how the rules apply to British dual nationals.
The spokesperson said British dual nationals would be able in practice to obtain an ETA through the online portal by entering the details of a non-British passport and paying £16 (€18.47), as there is no mechanism preventing this.
False declaration and limited enforcement
The spokesperson said applicants would have to provide false information to obtain an ETA in this way because the application form asks whether the applicant is a British national. If the applicant indicates they are a British national, they cannot proceed with the application.
The spokesperson said lying on a visa application is technically a criminal offence, describing it as “as much of an offence as to arrive on the back of a lorry,” while also stating there is “little to no enforcement” and that there is no increase in enforcement planned.
Border delays without a British passport
The spokesperson said the Home Office would “never advise a British national to travel to the UK without a British passport” and referred to official UK government guidance.
That guidance says British dual nationals who do not present a valid British passport may face “delays at the border,” which the spokesperson said could involve a lengthy process of proving British nationality if stopped at the border.
Have you checked whether you have a valid British passport before travelling to the UK?
