British children born overseas could be denied entry into the United Kingdom from next week under new passport rules introduced by the Home Office.
Effective February 25, British dual citizens including babies and minors must present a valid British passport when travelling to the UK or obtain a “certificate of entitlement,” which costs £589.
Under UK nationality law, anyone born abroad to a British parent automatically qualifies for British citizenship and, in most cases, dual nationality. However, they cannot renounce their British citizenship until they turn 18.
This means affected children must either apply for a British passport or pay for a certificate of entitlement to enter the country. Unlike foreign nationals, they are not eligible to use the UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme, which allows non-British travellers to visit for up to six months for £16.
The Home Office warned that dual British citizens without a British passport risk being denied boarding by airlines or refused entry at the border. While Border Force officers will retain discretion, travellers without proper documentation face possible disruption.
Officials said the move forms part of efforts to modernise Britain’s digital border systems and better distinguish between dual British nationals and individuals overstaying visas.
A government source noted that the changes are intended to strengthen immigration controls while improving identity verification processes.
The Home Office also confirmed that the certificate of entitlement will now be issued permanently, meaning applicants only need to apply once.
A spokesperson for the department said the certificate option should be used only as a last resort, adding that the government strongly encourages British citizens to obtain a passport.
“Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024, and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023,” the spokesperson said.
The department added that the requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of any additional nationality and mirrors policies in countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia.
The rule change is expected to affect thousands of British families living overseas, particularly those who have relied on foreign passports for their children’s travel to the UK.
