Will British dual nationals really be forced to have a valid UK passport from February?

"What changes Although ETA has been up and running since 2023, and has applied to all EU nationals since spring 2025, there has been a 'tolerance period' in operation where people were not turned away at the border if they did not have the correct ETA registration. February 25th, 2026, marks the end of the tolerance period for EU/EEA citizens travelling to the UK, and those without the correct paperwork will be turned away at the border, according to British authorities."

"Ever since the launch of ETA, there has been confusion and mixed messages when it comes to British dual nationals. READ ALSO: 'Absolute shambles': Confusion deepens over ETA visa waiver for UK dual nationals For British or Irish nationals travelling on their UK or Irish passport the situation is clear - they do not require the electronic travel authorisation known as the ETA."

ETA began in 2023 and was extended to all EU nationals by spring 2025, operating under a tolerance period during which travellers missing ETA registration were not turned away. The tolerance period ends on 25 February 2026, after which EU/EEA citizens without correct paperwork will be refused entry. The UK government says British dual nationals will be included in enforcement. British and Irish nationals entering on valid UK or Irish passports do not require ETA. Many British dual nationals lack a current British passport, creating uncertainty about whether alternative documents such as a certificate of entitlement will be accepted.

Read at The Local France