The United Kingdom has implemented a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system for visitors from dozens of countries, including the United States and Australia, effective . The change aims to streamline the immigration process, but has created particular challenges for British citizens who also hold passports from other nations.
What is an ETA?
An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK, required for most individuals who previously enjoyed visa-free access. Once approved, the ETA allows stays of up to six months for tourism, business, or short-term study, and is valid for multiple journeys over a two-year period, or until the passport expires – whichever comes first. The current cost of an ETA is £16, with plans to increase this to £20 in the future.
The scheme, initially launched in October 2023, was not strictly enforced to allow travellers time to adjust to the new requirements. However, as of , the system is fully operational, and individuals without an approved ETA may be denied boarding for travel to the UK.
The Dual Nationality Dilemma
The new regulations have sparked concern among British dual nationals. Until , these individuals could enter and exit the UK using either their British or foreign passport. Now, they are required to travel with a valid British passport, a valid Irish passport, or a “certificate of entitlement.”
This requirement stems from a desire by the Home Office to clarify the immigration status of long-term visitors. Previously, individuals with passports from countries that do not require visas could remain in the UK for extended periods without the Home Office being able to definitively determine whether they were overstaying their welcome or British citizens entering on a foreign passport. The ETA system, coupled with the passport requirement for dual nationals, is intended to address this ambiguity.
What are the Options for Dual Nationals?
British citizens who do not have a valid British passport now face the prospect of obtaining one, or acquiring a “certificate of entitlement” – a process that can be both time-consuming and costly. For those unable to secure the necessary documentation in time for planned travel, an emergency travel document is available at a cost of £125 for a single trip to the UK.
The change impacts an estimated 1.2 million British citizens living abroad who hold dual nationality, many residing in countries within the European Union, Schengen area, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.
Transit Passengers and Exemptions
The rules are not universally applied to all travellers. Those simply transiting through UK airports, and who do not pass through border security, are currently exempt from the ETA requirement. However, passengers with connecting flights who do go through UK passport control will need an ETA.
British and Irish citizens remain exempt from the ETA requirement, as are individuals with settled status in the UK and children travelling from France on school trips.
A Global Trend
The UK’s adoption of an ETA system aligns with a broader international trend. Similar electronic travel authorisation schemes are already in place in countries such as the United States and Australia, reflecting a global focus on enhanced border security and improved immigration management. The UK government states that the system will deliver a “more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure” for the millions of people who pass through its borders each year.
Individuals who typically require a visa to travel to the UK will continue to do so and will not need to apply for an ETA in addition to their visa. The system is designed to affect those who previously benefited from visa-free travel arrangements.
The implementation of the ETA system and the subsequent impact on dual nationals underscore the complexities of modern travel regulations and the importance of verifying travel requirements well in advance of departure. Travellers are advised to consult the official GOV.UK website for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
