From February 25, the United Kingdom has enacted new travel regulations impacting dual citizens and introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors from previously visa-exempt countries. Dual citizens holding both UK/Irish and another nationality are now required to use their British or Irish passport for entry, or obtain a Certificate of Entitlement. Simultaneously, most other travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Australia and the US, are now subject to the new ETA requirement for entry into the UK.
New Regulations for Dual UK and Irish Citizens
Effective February 25, individuals who hold citizenship in both the UK or Ireland and another country (such as Australia) are no longer permitted to enter the UK using a passport from their non-UK/Irish nationality. This marks a change from previous practices where dual citizens could use a preferred passport for entry.
To enter the UK, dual British or Irish citizens now have the following options:
- Present a valid British or Irish passport.
- Obtain a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which is affixed to their foreign passport.
- Renounce their British or Irish citizenship.
These regulations primarily affect British and Irish nationals who also hold Australian citizenship and may have previously chosen to travel solely with their Australian passport. Non-compliance may result in individuals being unable to board flights or ships to the UK, and airlines face potential fines for allowing passengers with incorrect documentation to travel.
For urgent travel prior to February 24, individuals possessing a valid passport from a non-visa national country had the option to apply for an emergency travel document. Applying for a new British passport costs approximately $190 AUD.
Certificate of Entitlement (COE)
A Certificate of Entitlement (COE), also referred to as a certificate of entitlement of the right of abode, is a document inserted into a foreign passport. It verifies the holder's right to reside in the UK, permitting individuals to live and work in the country without immigration restrictions or time limits. A COE requires renewal each time the associated foreign passport is renewed.
The cost for a COE is £589 (approximately $1,180 AUD to $1,182 AUD) when applied for outside the UK or Ireland. Individuals holding a COE are exempt from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System
Also effective from February 25, most travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Australia and the United States, are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) when entering the UK for tourism or short stays. This digital permit is necessary for entry into England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Key details of the ETA system:
- Cost: The ETA costs £10 (approximately $20 AUD), with another source indicating an approximate cost of $32 AUD.
- Validity: An approved ETA is valid for two years or until the holder's passport expires, allowing for multiple visits during its validity period.
- Application: Applications can be submitted online or via a dedicated app. It is recommended to apply at least three days prior to scheduled travel.
ETA Exemptions:
- UK passport holders.
- Individuals with official permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
- Those who possess a Certificate of Entitlement (COE).
- British and Irish dual citizens are ineligible for an ETA.
Transit Requirements:
There are differing reports regarding ETA requirements for transit through the UK. One source indicates an ETA is not required for transit through a UK airport if border control is not passed, while another states it applies to individuals transiting through the UK, even without passing through border control.
Determining UK and Irish Citizenship
Understanding dual citizenship status is crucial, as each nation defines its own citizens. Consulting official government websites is recommended for accurate information.
Identifying UK Dual Citizenship:
The UK permits dual citizenship. Individuals may be considered UK citizens even if they hold foreign citizenship, or without holding a UK passport or being aware of their status, if they:
- Have a parent who is a UK national.
- Applied for foreign citizenship without renouncing UK citizenship.
- Were born in the UK.
British citizenship is often automatically passed down one generation to children born outside the UK if a parent was a citizen at the time of their birth.
Identifying Irish Dual Citizenship:
- Individuals born on the island of Ireland before 2005 are automatically considered Irish citizens and can apply for an Irish passport without a separate citizenship application.
- For those born on or after January 1, 2005, entitlement to Irish dual citizenship depends on parental citizenship at the time of birth and one parent's residency history before the birth.
- Ancestry alone does not automatically confer Irish citizenship; verification with Irish authorities, such as an embassy, is recommended.
Further Actions for Dual Citizens
Expired UK Passports:
If a dual citizen's UK passport is expired, they must apply for a new one before travel or obtain a Certificate of Entitlement for their foreign passport.
Renunciation of Citizenship:
Renouncing British or Irish citizenship is an option, particularly if an individual does not wish to obtain a UK passport or pay for a COE.
- An application to give up British citizenship is made to the UK government, resulting in a "declaration of renunciation" if accepted.
- Renouncing citizenship may impact the status of future children.
- Renunciation is generally only possible if the individual already holds another citizenship or will acquire one immediately after renouncing.