Key Highlights
- The UK introduces a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system for visitors from 85 countries.
- Dual nationals face difficulties due to the mandatory requirement of a UK passport or digital certificate.
- Obtaining a British passport can be costly and time-consuming, affecting some long-term residents.
- The new rules apply from February 25, 2024, but were not strictly enforced initially.
So, you might think this is new, but the UK’s new travel system for non-EU citizens has been in the works for quite some time. A digital permission to travel (ETA) will now be required for folks from 85 countries who wish to visit the UK visa-free. This isn’t exactly breaking news; it was announced back in October 2023, but now the rules are being strictly enforced on February 25, 2024.
ETA: The New Travel Requirement
Here’s how it works: An ETA is a digital permission slip that allows you to visit for up to six months at a time. You apply via an app and pay £16 (though the government plans to hike this to £20). Once approved, your ETA is good for two years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. It’s valid for multiple visits and can be used for tourism, business, short-term study, or transit through UK airports.
Exceptions and Costs
There are exceptions: British or Irish citizens don’t need an ETA, nor do those with settled status or children traveling from France on a school trip. But for dual nationals—those who hold both a UK and another nationality—it’s a whole different ballgame. You can’t get an ETA unless you have a UK passport or a digital certificate of entitlement.
Both are pricey: around £100 for a British passport, and a hefty £589 for the digital certificate. And let’s not forget the time it takes to apply.
The Struggle for Dual Nationals
For many dual nationals, this is a bit of an uphill battle. The government says they’ve had plenty of time to adjust since October 2024, but that doesn’t mean everyone has been able to comply. Some long-term residents who have never applied for their UK passport are now scrambling.
They can no longer use their non-British passport to travel to the UK. This leaves them with a choice: get a new UK passport or find another way to enter.
Several British dual nationals have told BBC of their struggles, pointing out that they’ve been outside the country since the rule change was announced and haven’t had enough time to adjust. The Home Office spokesperson has downplayed these concerns, saying public information about carrying correct documents has been available for months and a communications campaign ran since 2023.
Enforcement and Impact
The new system is being enforced by airlines, rail companies, and shipping companies through automated digital checks with the Home Office. You still need to go through passport control even with an ETA, which means you could be turned away at the border if there are other issues. This adds another layer of complexity for travelers.
And let’s face it: the UK is just one of several countries using this system.
Canada and the US have similar requirements, but their costs vary wildly—just £3.78 in Canada compared to £29.75 in the US. So while the UK might be stricter about implementation, it’s not a unique situation.
For dual nationals, the stakes are high. The new rules could lead to delays and extra costs for those who need to get their UK passports or certificates of entitlement.
It’s another example of how bureaucratic changes can affect people’s lives in unexpected ways.
You might wonder: why did this have to happen now? And is it really that big a deal? For the affected dual nationals, it certainly is. But for many others, they’ll just keep up with the new requirements and hope for smoother sailing next time.
