New UK Passport Rules for Dual UK – Australian Citizens: What Families Need to Know

Over the past few days, a post on our Facebook page sparked a large discussion among Australian families with British connections. Confusion, frustration, and conflicting advice flooded the comments particularly around whether dual citizens (and their children) can still enter the UK using an Australian passport.

If you’re planning travel to the UK – whether for a short holiday, family visit, or long‑planned overseas trip – here’s a clear explanation of what has changed under current UK entry rules and what families should be aware of.

WHAT CHANGED FROM 25 FEBRUARY 2026?
From 25 February 2026, UK Government guidance states that British and Irish dual citizens are expected to enter the UK using their British or Irish passport. This applies even if you also hold Australian citizenship, usually travel on an Australian passport, or are visiting for a short stay.

CAN DUAL CITIZENS STILL ENTER THE UK ON AN AUSTRALIAN PASSPORT?
According to current UK Home Office guidance, dual citizens are expected to use a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement to demonstrate their right of abode.

DOES THIS APPLY TO SHORT HOLIDAYS?
Official updates indicate that this expectation applies to all entries, including short-term visits and holidays.

WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN BORN IN AUSTRALIA TO BRITISH PARENTS?
If a child is found to be a British citizen by descent, they are considered British under UK nationality law, even if born in Australia, have never held a UK passport, and usually travel on an Australian passport.

ARE CHILDREN ONLY AUSTRALIAN IF THEY’VE NEVER HAD A UK PASSPORT?
No. Citizenship and passports are not the same thing. Citizenship by descent can apply automatically under UK law, depending on individual circumstances.

HOW WILL AUTHORITIES KNOW?
Airlines are required to check for digital “permission to travel” before boarding. Because British citizens (including dual citizens) are not eligible for an ETA, airline check-in systems may be unable to verify a valid travel authorization if only an Australian passport is presented.

This can result in denied boarding at the airport, which airline staff are often unable to manually override these system checks.

IS THIS A NEW RULE?
The requirement has existed for years, but enforcement has increased, particularly through airline systems and ETA screening.

WHAT IF I ENTER BEFORE 25 FEB 2026 BUT RE‑ENTER LATER?
Each time you enter the UK is treated as a new entry. If you are a British citizen (including dual UK–Australian citizens), current UK guidance indicates that re-entry after that date is expected to be on a valid UK passport even if your trip started earlier or you only left briefly for Europe.

WHAT IS A CERTIFICATE OF ENTITLEMENT?
A Certificate of Entitlement is one recognised way to demonstrate the right of abode in the UK. It is issued by the UK Government, placed in a foreign passport, involves a significant government fee (approximately AUD $1,180 at the time of writing), and processing times can vary.

The Certificate of Entitlement is relevant only to individuals who already have the right of abode in the UK. Not all British citizens automatically hold this right, and eligibility depends on individual circumstances.

More details are available on the official UK Government website

DOES THIS AFFECT TRAVEL TO IRELAND?
No. Ireland is not part of the UK. This applies only when entering the UK.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Under current UK entry rules, British citizens are expected to enter the UK as British. An Australian passport with an ETA is generally not sufficient.Children of British parents may be affected. Families may wish to check passport status early using official government guidance.

Dual UK–Australian citizens must still use their Australian passport to depart and re-enter Australia, as required by Australian law. Ensure both valid passports are carried for the entire journey.