British embassies from Sydney to Toronto have been inundated with enquiries after the UK confirmed that, from 25 February 2026, dual nationals must present either a valid British passport or a digital Certificate of Entitlement (COE) to exercise UK citizenship at the border. The ABC reports that more than 1.2 million people worldwide could be affected, with Australia alone home to over 650,000 British-Australians.
Under current practice many dual citizens enter the UK on the passport that is most convenient—often the document with the longest validity or the cheapest renewal fee. The reform closes that loophole as part of the Home Office’s transition to a fully digital immigration system anchored by Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) and eVisas. From late February carriers will be obliged to check that passengers claiming British nationality hold either a UK passport or a COE linked to their UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) account; failure means denied boarding.
A standard UK passport costs about A$190 and takes up to six weeks overseas, but the COE—valid for life—costs A$1,100 plus a biometric appointment.
![New UK passport rules leave dual citizens rushing for certificates of entitlement]()
If navigating the new rules feels daunting, VisaHQ can step in to handle the paperwork, schedule biometrics and monitor your application from start to finish. Their dedicated UK page (https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/) summarises the latest Home Office requirements and offers personalised assistance—useful whether you need a fresh British passport, a COE, or guidance for family members.
Dozens of “Ten-pound Pom” returnees told the ABC they fear cancelling holidays or paying the higher fee because the window between announcement and enforcement is too tight. The British High Commission insists the rules reflect global norms and enhance security, pointing to similar systems in the US and Canada.
For employers the main risk is stranded staff. Mobility managers are advising dual nationals on overseas assignments to check passport validity immediately and, if necessary, book COE appointments before the February cut-off. Travel-risk consultants also highlight that children born abroad to British parents—who often have latent citizenship but no UK passport—will face the same requirement.
Airlines have begun updating check-in software to validate COEs. Once the Home Office starts issuing them digitally on 26 February, the UK border will have near-real-time visibility of every passenger’s immigration status, an important building block for its 2030 ‘contactless corridors’ vision.
Under current practice many dual citizens enter the UK on the passport that is most convenient—often the document with the longest validity or the cheapest renewal fee. The reform closes that loophole as part of the Home Office’s transition to a fully digital immigration system anchored by Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) and eVisas. From late February carriers will be obliged to check that passengers claiming British nationality hold either a UK passport or a COE linked to their UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) account; failure means denied boarding.
A standard UK passport costs about A$190 and takes up to six weeks overseas, but the COE—valid for life—costs A$1,100 plus a biometric appointment.
If navigating the new rules feels daunting, VisaHQ can step in to handle the paperwork, schedule biometrics and monitor your application from start to finish. Their dedicated UK page (https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/) summarises the latest Home Office requirements and offers personalised assistance—useful whether you need a fresh British passport, a COE, or guidance for family members.
Dozens of “Ten-pound Pom” returnees told the ABC they fear cancelling holidays or paying the higher fee because the window between announcement and enforcement is too tight. The British High Commission insists the rules reflect global norms and enhance security, pointing to similar systems in the US and Canada.
For employers the main risk is stranded staff. Mobility managers are advising dual nationals on overseas assignments to check passport validity immediately and, if necessary, book COE appointments before the February cut-off. Travel-risk consultants also highlight that children born abroad to British parents—who often have latent citizenship but no UK passport—will face the same requirement.
Airlines have begun updating check-in software to validate COEs. Once the Home Office starts issuing them digitally on 26 February, the UK border will have near-real-time visibility of every passenger’s immigration status, an important building block for its 2030 ‘contactless corridors’ vision.
