US Joins Mexico, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Sweden, Germany And More Countries In Facing Increased Travel Obstacles As UK Government Rolls Out Tough New Passport And Border Control Regulations: Everything You Need To Know
About the blog
  • Travel
  • 6 mins
  • Travel and Tour World
  • Srishty Mishra
travelup.com - Easter Weekend Travel Deals travel.com - Mother's Day Travel Deals

The US joins Mexico, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Sweden, Germany, and other nations, is facing tough new travel challenges as the United Kingdom government introduces stricter passport control measures.

The US joins Mexico, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Sweden, Germany, and other nations, is facing tough new travel challenges as the United Kingdom government introduces stricter passport control measures. Starting 25 February 2026, the UK will require all dual British nationals to enter the country using a UK passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, effectively banning the use of foreign passports from visa-exempt or ETA-eligible countries. This new regulation directly impacts millions of travelers from Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa, particularly those who previously used their second nationality to enter the UK. The move is set to create significant travel disruption, altering the travel landscape for millions of dual nationals worldwide.

Starting 25 February 2026, the UK government will introduce a monumental shift in its travel rules that will directly affect dual British nationals worldwide. This change is set to make entry into the UK much more challenging for millions of people who hold British nationality alongside another citizenship. For those planning to visit the UK in the near future, especially from countries that were previously visa-exempt, it’s time to pay attention.

The new regulations will require dual British nationals to enter the UK using a UK passport (or a Certificate of Entitlement) and will no longer allow entry on a foreign passport. This policy is part of the UK’s broader goal of tightening border controls and improving national security, but it also means a significant shake-up for travelers from Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and even parts of Africa and the Caribbean.

Dual Nationals: Who’s Affected by the UK’s New Travel Rules?

Starting on 25 February 2026, dual nationals — British citizens who also hold another nationality — will face new travel barriers when entering the UK. Here’s how the rule will apply:

If you are a dual British citizen and hold a passport from another country that is visa-exempt or eligible for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) route to the UK, you must travel using a UK passport or a Certificate of Entitlement. The rules no longer permit dual nationals to use their non-UK passport for entry into the UK.

So, whether you live in Spain, the USA, Brazil, India, or Japan, this policy affects anyone with dual nationality who is attempting to travel to the UK using their foreign passport.

Countries Affected by the UK’s Stricter Travel Rules

The new rules apply to all dual British nationals with a second passport from a country that is part of the ETA-eligible list or visa-exempt category for the UK. These countries span Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa.

Here’s a breakdown of the regions and countries impacted by the new regulations:

1. Europe (EU/EEA & Switzerland)

  • France
  • Germany
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Greece
  • Portugal
  • Netherlands
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Andorra
  • Monaco
  • San Marino
  • Vatican City

Dual nationals from any of these European countries will no longer be able to enter the UK on their non-UK passports. Instead, a UK passport or Certificate of Entitlement will be required for entry.

2. North America

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico

As countries that are typically visa-exempt for the UK, dual nationals from these nations will need to comply with the new rules. If you are a US, Canadian, or Mexican citizen holding a British passport, you must use the UK passport for entry to the UK after 25 February 2026.

3. Latin America & the Caribbean

  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Chile
  • Barbados
  • Bahamas

These countries, along with many others in Latin America and the Caribbean, fall under the visa-exempt category for the UK. Dual nationals from these countries must now carry a UK passport or Certificate of Entitlement if they wish to enter the UK.

4. Asia-Pacific

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)

This region, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and the UAE, is also impacted. Dual nationals from these countries will now need to ensure they have the correct UK documentation before attempting to enter the UK.

5. Africa & the Middle East

  • South Africa
  • Kenya
  • Nigeria
  • Egypt

Dual nationals with citizenship from countries in Africa and the Middle East that are usually ETA-eligible for the UK will be affected. South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt are among the many countries whose citizens must adhere to the new UK entry requirements.

Why the Change? A Shift Towards Tighter Border Control

This change is not just about nationality — it’s about increasing border security and modernizing the UK’s immigration system. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which has been gradually implemented, is now part of this broader shift. The UK government aims to streamline border processes and improve security by ensuring that only British citizens (or those with the right of abode) are able to freely enter the UK.

By requiring all dual nationals to travel with a UK passport or Certificate of Entitlement, the UK government hopes to ensure that anyone entering the country can be clearly identified as a British citizen. This move is part of a larger trend towards tightening immigration control, and it aligns with the UK’s exit from the EU, where UK border checks have become increasingly important.

What’s the Solution for Dual Nationals Without a UK Passport?

For dual British nationals who don’t currently hold a UK passport, there is an alternative — the Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode. This certificate confirms your right to live in the UK, and it must be attached to your foreign passport.

Here are the key facts about the Certificate of Entitlement:

  • Cost: £589
  • Processing Time: It can take several weeks to process.
  • How to Obtain It: You can apply for it online or at a British consulate if you don’t have a UK passport. The certificate must be inserted into your foreign passport and will allow you to enter the UK.

Consequences of Not Following the New Rules

Failing to comply with the new rules will result in serious consequences:

  • Denied Boarding: If you arrive at the airport with the wrong documents (i.e., a foreign passport instead of a UK passport or Certificate of Entitlement), airlines and transport operators will deny boarding.
  • Travel Delays: Not having the correct documentation could lead to unnecessary delays and complications in your travel plans.
  • Extra Costs: You may need to pay additional fees to obtain the proper documents at the last minute, or in some cases, delay your travel entirely.

It’s crucial that all dual nationals traveling to the UK from 25 February 2026 onward ensure they have the proper documentation. Be sure to get your UK passport renewed or apply for the Certificate of Entitlement before booking your travel.

A Global Issue: What Dual Nationals Need to Know

While this change primarily affects dual British nationals from ETA-eligible countries, it is a global issue. Travelers from Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa who hold dual nationality with the UK will all be impacted by the new rules.

Dual nationals must now prove their British citizenship by traveling with a UK passport or applying for a Certificate of Entitlement. This policy is a clear attempt to tighten UK border controls and improve national security — but it also means more complexity for travelers.

How to Prepare: A Checklist for Dual Nationals

To avoid any surprises when you travel to the UK, here’s a quick checklist for dual nationals:

  • Already have a UK passport? Great! You’re ready to travel.
  • Don’t have a UK passport? Apply for one as soon as possible, or apply for a Certificate of Entitlement.
  • Check with your airline: Ensure that the documentation you carry complies with the UK’s new entry rules before you depart.

The UK’s new travel regulations mark a significant shift in how dual nationals will enter the country starting 25 February 2026. These rules will affect millions of travelers, particularly those from visa-exempt or ETA-eligible countries. Whether you’re a dual national from the US, Canada, Brazil, Japan, or Germany, these rules apply to you.

The US joins Mexico, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Sweden, Germany, and other nations, is facing tough new travel challenges due to the UK’s introduction of stricter passport control measures. Starting 25 February 2026, dual British nationals will be required to enter the UK using a UK passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, banning the use of foreign passports from visa-exempt or ETA-eligible countries.

By taking the necessary steps to obtain a UK passport or Certificate of Entitlement, you can avoid being caught off guard and ensure a smooth journey into the UK. The new UK border rules are clear — don’t risk being turned away at the airport.

The post US Joins Mexico, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Sweden, Germany And More Countries In Facing Increased Travel Obstacles As UK Government Rolls Out Tough New Passport And Border Control Regulations: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Travel and Tour World