UK Passport Dual Citizenship Rule Change 2026: What UAE Travellers Must Know Before Flying

February 22, 2026 8:25 PM

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22 February 2026| Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 8:25 pm ]

From 25 February 2026, a major UK visa rule change will impact thousands of dual nationals worldwide, including many residents in the UAE. If you hold a UK passport dual citizenship or are an Australian dual citizen, your next trip to Britain could be denied at check-in if you carry the wrong passport.

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What Has Changed in the UK Entry Rules?

Overview: The UK government has introduced stricter entry requirements under a “no permission, no travel” system.

Before the update, many dual nationals entered the UK using their Australian passport. That is no longer allowed. Under the new UK visa rule change:

Dual UK/Irish citizens must enter using a valid British or Irish passport
OR hold a Certificate of Entitlement to Right of Abode
Airlines must check documents before boarding
ETAs or visitor visas cannot be used by dual citizens
Rules apply from any departure country, including the UAE

If documentation doesn’t match the new UK dual nationals passport rules, airlines can refuse boarding.

Why Australian Dual Citizens Are Affected

Overview: Many UAE residents were born in the UK or have British parents, making them British citizens automatically.

If you are an Australian dual citizen, even if:

You never applied for a British passport
Your British passport expired years ago
You’ve always travelled on your Australian passport

You are still legally British.

This means:

You cannot use an ETA to enter the UK
You must renew or apply for a British passport
You may need to apply for a Certificate of Entitlement (£575 fee)

This has created sudden Australian UK dual passport entry restrictions that are catching families off guard.

How This Impacts UAE Travellers

Overview: If you’re flying from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, airlines will enforce the rules at check-in.

Important points for UAE-based travellers:

Airlines in Dubai must verify UK entry permission
If you’re an Australian dual citizen, you must carry BOTH passports
You exit and re-enter Australia (if applicable) on your Australian passport
You enter the UK using your British passport

If your British passport has expired, you may be denied boarding in the UAE.

This strict enforcement is part of the new UK visa rule change aligned with digital border controls.

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Processing Delays & Travel Risks

Overview: Many travellers only recently learned about the changes, causing panic renewals.

Current issues reported:

British passport processing: 3–6 weeks (or longer overseas)
Certificate of Entitlement processing: up to 6 weeks
Emergency travel documents are not always approved
You may need to surrender your passport during processing

For UAE residents with urgent family visits, this creates a serious disruption.

The new UK dual nationals passport rules do not currently include a grace period.

What About Renouncing British Citizenship?

Overview: Some travellers are considering renouncing British citizenship to avoid the passport requirement.

Before making that decision:

Renunciation is expensive
It can take months
It may not be approved
Parents cannot renounce on behalf of children under 18

For most UAE residents, renewing the passport is the practical option.

Action Plan for UAE Residents

Overview: If you suspect you may qualify for UK passport dual citizenship, act now.

Here’s what to do immediately:

Check if you were born in the UK
Check if either parent was British at your birth
Verify if you already hold British citizenship by descent
Renew your British passport early
Avoid relying on ETA if you’re a dual national

If you are an Australian dual citizen, do not assume your Australian passport alone is enough.

FAQs

1. Can I enter the UK on my Australian passport if I’m British by birth?

No. Under the new UK dual nationals passport rules, you must use your British passport.

2. Does this apply if I’m flying from Dubai?

Yes. Airlines in the UAE will enforce the Australian UK dual passport entry restrictions before departure.

3. Can I apply for an ETA instead?

No. Dual nationals cannot use an ETA under this UK visa rule change.

4. What if my British passport expired in 2008?

You must renew it. An expired passport is not accepted.

5. Do children born to British parents need UK passports?

Yes. If they are British by descent, they must follow the same rules.

Final Thoughts

This UK visa rule change is strict and already causing missed flights globally. If you hold a UK passport dual citizenship or are a dual citizen, check your documents now, especially if travelling from the UAE.