From 25 February 2026, dual British–Cypriot citizens must present a valid UK passport when entering the United Kingdom, the Cyprus High Commission in London confirmed in guidance published on 4 March. The change dovetails with the nationwide introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which applies to all non-visa nationals. Cypriot passport holders ordinarily fall under ETA, but dual citizens are now required to prove their right of abode by travelling as British nationals.
![UK tells dual British–Cypriot nationals to enter on UK passports as ETA rollout accelerates]()
If you’re uncertain about the paperwork you’ll need, VisaHQ offers a straightforward way to check requirements and apply online. Their dedicated Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) lets travellers and dual nationals alike verify whether they need an ETA, a Certificate of Entitlement or other documents, and their team can walk you through renewals or same-day courier services so you avoid airport surprises.
The Home Office said the rule brings the UK into line with countries such as the United States and Australia that oblige dual nationals to use the passport of the country they are entering. Travellers who have not renewed their UK passport may instead apply for a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode, but officials warn that this is more expensive and can take up to eight weeks. Immigration lawyers advise Cypriot professionals on assignment in the UK to check that HR databases reflect the passport they will present at the e-gates, as mismatches can trigger secondary inspections. Airways expect a brief spike in calls to customer-service centres from passengers needing to update Advance Passenger Information (API) before check-in. Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Migration welcomed the clarity but said it will continue to press London to ensure that the ETA fee is waived for permanent residents of the UK who hold Cypriot citizenship, arguing that such individuals already pay UK taxes.
If you’re uncertain about the paperwork you’ll need, VisaHQ offers a straightforward way to check requirements and apply online. Their dedicated Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) lets travellers and dual nationals alike verify whether they need an ETA, a Certificate of Entitlement or other documents, and their team can walk you through renewals or same-day courier services so you avoid airport surprises.
The Home Office said the rule brings the UK into line with countries such as the United States and Australia that oblige dual nationals to use the passport of the country they are entering. Travellers who have not renewed their UK passport may instead apply for a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode, but officials warn that this is more expensive and can take up to eight weeks. Immigration lawyers advise Cypriot professionals on assignment in the UK to check that HR databases reflect the passport they will present at the e-gates, as mismatches can trigger secondary inspections. Airways expect a brief spike in calls to customer-service centres from passengers needing to update Advance Passenger Information (API) before check-in. Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Migration welcomed the clarity but said it will continue to press London to ensure that the ETA fee is waived for permanent residents of the UK who hold Cypriot citizenship, arguing that such individuals already pay UK taxes.
