British dual nationals risk imminent refusal of travel to UK, Home Office affirms
The Guardian World
by Lisa O’CarrollFebruary 24, 2026
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The Home Office has confirmed that British citizens holding a second nationality face the risk of being denied entry to the UK from Wednesday, as new travel rules take effect. This decision comes despite appeals from families, the3million campaign group, the Liberal Democrats, and former Conservative minister David Davis for a grace period to allow dual nationals time to adjust to the changes.
The new regulations are part of broader post-Brexit nationality rules that aim to tighten controls on British citizenship. Dual nationals with another passport will now be required to apply for an Exceptional Access Card to enter the UK, replacing the previous automatic right of entry. This shift has sparked concerns among campaigners and legal experts, who argue that it undermines the rights of those born or naturalized in the UK.
Critics highlight that the lack of a grace period could lead to significant disruption for individuals with family ties or professional commitments in the UK. Many dual nationals were not aware of the changes until recently, leaving them scrambling to comply with the new requirements. Advocacy groups have warned that this strict approach could cause undue hardship and strain relationships between the UK and other countries.
The Home Office has defended the decision, stating that the rules are
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026