The High Commission of Cyprus in London has issued an urgent travel notice to the island’s sizeable diaspora in the United Kingdom. From 25 February 2026 the UK will fully enforce its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visa-free visitors—including Cypriots travelling on their *Cypriot* passport for short stays of up to six months. Dual nationals who are both British and Cypriot are technically exempt, but only if they enter on a valid British passport or hold a Certificate of Entitlement proving their Right of Abode. Airlines have been told to deny boarding to passengers who cannot produce the correct document at check-in.
The advisory has particular significance for the thousands of Cypriot professionals who commute regularly between the two countries and for students returning home for Easter break. Many habitually depart the UK on their Cypriot passport—attractive for duty-free limits inside the EU—only to rely on their British status for re-entry. As of next week, that workaround may trigger lengthy airport delays or outright refusal of carriage.
![High Commission Warns Dual British/Cypriot Citizens to Carry UK Passports as ETA Becomes Mandatory]()
Under the ETA regime, nationals of 85 countries that previously enjoyed visa-free access must obtain an electronic permit at least 72 hours before travel. EU citizens were brought into scope in stages last year, but British carriers have only now been instructed to impose a hard cut-off for enforcement. The Home Office expects up to 15 million applications annually once the scheme is fully operational.
For anyone uncertain about navigating the ETA application—or looking for a quicker, guided route—VisaHQ can help. Their dedicated Cyprus page (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) allows travelers to complete the UK ETA form online, receive real-time status alerts, and access expert support, ensuring Cypriot passport holders won’t be caught out at the airline counter.
Cypriot community groups in London have launched social-media campaigns reminding dual nationals to check the expiry date of their British passport and, if necessary, apply for fast-track renewal appointments. Employers with assignees shuttling between UK and Cyprus are equally advised to audit passport inventories; failure to comply could disrupt project timelines or client meetings. The High Commission is directing questions to the UK government’s dedicated ETA portal and has promised to field emergency consular calls over the busy Green Monday holiday weekend.
The advisory has particular significance for the thousands of Cypriot professionals who commute regularly between the two countries and for students returning home for Easter break. Many habitually depart the UK on their Cypriot passport—attractive for duty-free limits inside the EU—only to rely on their British status for re-entry. As of next week, that workaround may trigger lengthy airport delays or outright refusal of carriage.
Under the ETA regime, nationals of 85 countries that previously enjoyed visa-free access must obtain an electronic permit at least 72 hours before travel. EU citizens were brought into scope in stages last year, but British carriers have only now been instructed to impose a hard cut-off for enforcement. The Home Office expects up to 15 million applications annually once the scheme is fully operational.
For anyone uncertain about navigating the ETA application—or looking for a quicker, guided route—VisaHQ can help. Their dedicated Cyprus page (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) allows travelers to complete the UK ETA form online, receive real-time status alerts, and access expert support, ensuring Cypriot passport holders won’t be caught out at the airline counter.
Cypriot community groups in London have launched social-media campaigns reminding dual nationals to check the expiry date of their British passport and, if necessary, apply for fast-track renewal appointments. Employers with assignees shuttling between UK and Cyprus are equally advised to audit passport inventories; failure to comply could disrupt project timelines or client meetings. The High Commission is directing questions to the UK government’s dedicated ETA portal and has promised to field emergency consular calls over the busy Green Monday holiday weekend.
