A group of UK citizens risk having to obtain a new passport or fork out hundreds of pounds following a border change coming into force on Wednesday.

Dual British nationals, including children, could be turned away at the UK border unless they hold a British passport, under new rules taking effect later this month. There are approximately 1.2 million dual British citizens worldwide.

From February 25, those travelling to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Passengers without an ETA will be prevented from boarding their flight, ferry or train.

British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from this requirement, but must meet other conditions.

To travel to the UK, dual nationals will now require a valid British passport. Alternatively, they can pay £589 for a certificate of entitlement to attach to their second nationality passport. Previously, dual nationals could enter the UK using their non-British passport free of charge.

Dual nationals trying to enter the UK with only a foreign passport may experience problems. While British citizens possess a legal right of abode in the UK, passengers may face extra checks while their status is verified. They could also be stopped from boarding if they cannot prove their right of entry.

The Government revealed these regulations last year, but some dual nationals have argued that the changes were enforced with little warning and insufficient communication. Fears are escalating that holidays or business trips could be disrupted if individuals fail to obtain a passport or certificate of entitlement in time.

ETAs have been launched as part of wider plans for a "more streamlined, digital immigration system" which the Government expects will be faster and more secure for the millions who enter the UK each year.

It's a digital travel authorisation - it's not a visa or a tax and simply gives an individual permission to travel to the UK. Government officials maintain that the introduction of ETAs is in line with the strategies many other countries have adopted for border security, including the US and Australia.

At present, an ETA costs £16 and permits multiple trips to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over a two-year period. There are plans to raise the fee to £20 in the future.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "From February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK. Without one, carriers cannot verify they are a British citizen, which may lead to delays or refused boarding.

"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. This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia."