Last Updated On 21 February 2026, 6:00 PM EST (Toronto Time)
Canadian-British dual citizens will no longer be able to enter the United Kingdom using only their Canadian passport, as per the new UK passport rules, effective February 25, 2026.
The UK Home Office has confirmed that all dual nationals must now present either a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement to prove their right to enter the country.
The change coincides with the UK’s mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system taking full effect.
British citizens are not eligible for ETAs, which means dual nationals travelling on a Canadian passport alone will have no valid way to board UK-bound flights, ferries, or trains unless they can prove British citizenship through approved documentation.
According to the UK House of Commons Library, the transitional arrangements that previously allowed dual citizens to travel on foreign passports end on February 25.
Airlines and other carriers are now required to verify British citizenship before departure, and failure to present the correct documents could result in refused boarding.
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New UK Passport Rules at a Glance
⚠️ DEADLINE: February 25, 2026 — Dual British citizens travelling to the UK on a foreign passport without proper documentation may be denied boarding starting Tuesday.
| Effective Date | February 25, 2026 |
| Who Is Affected | All British dual citizens worldwide |
| Estimated Impact | 1.2+ million people globally |
| British Passport Cost | £94.50 (~$165 CAD) |
| Certificate of Entitlement Cost | £589 (~$1,030 CAD) |
| Passport Processing Time | Up to 6 weeks (overseas applications) |
| Certificate Processing Time | Up to 8 weeks |
| Emergency Travel Document | £125 (~$220 CAD) |
| Irish Passport Holders | Exempt — can enter UK freely |
What Has Changed
The UK has not changed its dual citizenship laws. British citizens who hold another nationality remain fully entitled to enter and live in the UK without restriction.
What has changed is how that citizenship must be proven at the border.
Previously, dual citizens from visa-exempt countries like Canada could travel to the UK on their foreign passport without issue.
Border officers would verify British citizenship upon arrival if needed.
Under the new system, carriers must confirm travel eligibility before departure.
Without approved documentation, airlines will not allow passengers to board.
The change is part of the UK’s transition to a fully digital immigration system.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement, which costs £16 and is mandatory for visitors from 85 countries, including Canada, does not apply to British citizens.
However, British citizens cannot obtain an ETA even if they wanted to.
This creates a gap where dual nationals travelling on a Canadian passport alone have no valid entry permission under the new system.
The new rules apply to anyone who holds British citizenship alongside Canadian citizenship, regardless of how that British citizenship was acquired.
This includes several categories of people living in Canada.
British citizens who immigrated to Canada: If you were born in the UK or became a British citizen before moving to Canada, you are affected.
Even if you have not used your British passport in years, you remain a British citizen and must now prove that status to enter the UK.
Canadians with British parents: British citizenship can pass to children born abroad.
If one of your parents was a British citizen at the time of your birth, you may be a British citizen by descent.
Many people in this category have never held a British passport but are legally British.
Children of Canadian-British families: Children born in Canada to British parents may have latent British citizenship even if they have never applied for documentation.
Under the new rules, these children will need a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement to travel to the UK.
Canadians who naturalized in the UK: If you lived in the UK and became a British citizen through naturalization before returning to Canada, you are affected.
Your Options for Travelling to the UK
Dual citizens have three main options for complying with the new requirements.
The best choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how frequently you travel to the UK.
Option 1: Obtain or Renew a British Passport
This is the most straightforward and cost-effective long-term solution.
A British passport costs £94.50 (approximately $165 CAD) and is valid for 10 years.
If you already have an expired British passport, renewal is simpler than a first-time application.
For Canadians applying from overseas, processing typically takes up to six weeks.
Given the February 25 deadline, this option may not be feasible for immediate travel unless you already have a valid passport or can obtain an emergency travel document.
Applications can be submitted online through the UK government website.
You will need to provide proof of British citizenship, such as a previous British passport, British birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
Option 2: Apply for a Certificate of Entitlement
A Certificate of Entitlement proves your right of abode in the UK and is linked to your foreign passport.
Starting February 26, 2026, these certificates are issued digitally through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account rather than as physical stickers in passports.
The certificate costs £589 (approximately $1,030 CAD) and processing takes up to eight weeks. You will also need to attend a biometric appointment.
The certificate is valid for life but must be updated whenever you get a new passport, which means paying the fee again.
This option is significantly more expensive than a passport and may make sense only for people who cannot obtain a British passport for specific reasons, such as those who would face issues in their country of residence if they held a British passport.
Option 3: Apply for an Emergency Travel Document
If you need to travel urgently and cannot obtain a passport in time, you may be able to apply for an emergency travel document.
This costs £125 (approximately $220 CAD) and is intended for British nationals who need to travel immediately.
To qualify, you must demonstrate an urgent need to travel and show that you cannot renew or replace your British passport in time.
Emergency travel documents are typically processed within days rather than weeks.
Applications are made through the UK government website. You may need to provide evidence of your travel plans and the reason for urgency.
Can I Use an Expired British Passport?
The UK Home Office has confirmed that carriers may accept an expired British passport as alternative documentation, at their discretion, when presented alongside a valid foreign passport.
This is not a guaranteed solution. Individual airlines and other carriers decide whether to accept expired passports.
If you plan to rely on an expired British passport, contact your carrier before travel to confirm their policy.
Be prepared for the possibility that boarding may be refused.
Irish Passport Holders Are Exempt
If you hold Irish citizenship in addition to British and Canadian citizenship, you can enter the UK using your Irish passport without any additional documentation.
Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement and can travel freely between Ireland and the UK under the Common Travel Area agreement.
This exemption applies regardless of where you live. A Canadian resident with a valid Irish passport can use it to enter the UK without needing to prove British citizenship.
What Happens If You Travel Without Proper Documentation
From February 25, carriers are required to verify that passengers have permission to enter the UK before allowing them to board.
If you attempt to travel to the UK on a Canadian passport alone without a British passport, Certificate of Entitlement, or other approved documentation, you may face the following consequences.
Refused boarding: Airlines, ferries, and Eurostar are instructed to deny boarding to passengers who cannot prove their right to enter the UK. This applies even if you are legally a British citizen.
Travel delays: If your documentation is questioned, you may face delays while carriers attempt to verify your status. This could cause you to miss your flight or connection.
Additional scrutiny at the border: If you somehow reach the UK border without proper documentation, you may face extended questioning and delays while officers verify your citizenship.
Cost Comparison
| Document | Cost (GBP) | Cost (CAD) | Validity |
| British Passport (Recommended) | £94.50 | ~$165 | 10 years |
| Certificate of Entitlement | £589 | ~$1,030 | Lifetime* |
| Emergency Travel Document | £125 | ~$220 | Single trip |
| ETA (for non-British Canadians) | £16 | ~$28 | 2 years |
*Certificate of Entitlement must be renewed each time you get a new passport, requiring a new fee.
Why the UK Is Making This Change
The new requirements are part of the UK’s broader transition to a digital border system.
The Home Office has stated that the changes are designed to create a seamless travel experience while enhancing the government’s ability to maintain a comprehensive picture of who is entering and leaving the country.
Under the previous system, British citizenship could often be verified upon arrival at the border.
The new system shifts verification to the point of departure, requiring carriers to confirm travel eligibility before boarding.
This aligns with how other countries, including Canada and the United States, already manage border security.
The UK government’s goal is to achieve contactless borders by 2030, where travel permission is verified entirely through digital systems without physical document checks at arrival.
Important Dates
| Date | What Happens |
| February 24, 2026 | Last day dual citizens can travel to UK on foreign passport alone |
| February 25, 2026 | New rules take effect — ETA mandatory, British passport or Certificate required |
| February 26, 2026 | Digital Certificates of Entitlement begin being issued through UKVI accounts |
What You Should Do Now
If you have a valid British passport: You are ready to travel. Use your British passport when entering the UK.
If you have an expired British passport: Contact your airline to confirm whether they will accept an expired British passport alongside your Canadian passport.
Consider applying for a passport renewal or emergency travel document.
If you have never held a British passport: Check your eligibility for British citizenship using the UK government’s online tool.
If eligible, apply for a British passport. For urgent travel, consider an emergency travel document.
If you have travel booked before February 25: You can still travel on your Canadian passport under the transitional arrangements.
However, the rules change the day you return, so plan accordingly.
If you also hold an Irish passport: Use your Irish passport to enter the UK. No additional documentation is required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still enter the UK if I’m a British citizen but only have a Canadian passport?
Starting February 25, 2026, you will not be able to board UK-bound transport with only a Canadian passport if you are a British citizen. You need a British passport, Certificate of Entitlement, or emergency travel document.
Why can’t British dual citizens just get an ETA?
British citizens are not eligible for ETAs. The ETA system is designed for visitors who need permission to enter the UK. British citizens have an automatic right to enter but must prove their citizenship through approved documents.
How long does it take to get a British passport from Canada?
Processing time for overseas applications is up to six weeks. Given the February 25 deadline, this option is not feasible for immediate travel unless you apply for an emergency travel document.
Is the Certificate of Entitlement worth it?
For most people, a British passport is the better option. It costs less than a sixth of the price and does not need to be renewed when you get a new foreign passport. The certificate may only make sense for people who cannot hold a British passport for legal or personal reasons.
Will these rules affect my children?
Yes, children who are British citizens by descent will also need a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement to travel to the UK. This applies even if they have never held British documentation before.
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