‘Technically British’: UK visa rule change unleashes confusion for dual citizens
Sydney Morning Herald
by Chris ZapponeFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
New UK visa rules are causing confusion and financial strain for dual citizens, particularly those with Australian-British heritage. Starting February 25, British or Irish nationals—regardless of whether they actively use their UK nationality—are no longer eligible for the affordable £16 Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK. Instead, they must obtain a British or Irish passport or apply for a costly Certificate of Entitlement from the British government, which costs over $1,000. This change disproportionately affects Australians, as more than 1.1 million people born in the UK live in Australia, and many others have family ties to the country.
The rule change has sparked panic among travelers who may hold dormant British citizenship through their parents or grandparents. For example, a Sydney-based travel agent recounted how an elderly client, born in 1943 to a UK-born father, suddenly found himself classified as a British citizen under the new rules. This left him ineligible for the ETA and forced to consider obtaining a UK passport he never wanted. Similarly, many Australians with UK heritage are discovering they may need to apply for a Certificate of Entitlement or secure a UK passport, which requires extensive paperwork and time.
The British High Commission clarified that even dual citizens who do not actively use their UK nationality are still subject to the new rules. This includes anyone born in the UK or with a parent or grandparent from there. The change has led to chaos for travel agents and travelers alike, as many were unaware of their potential British citizenship until it was too late. Some have had to cancel expensive trips after realizing they cannot obtain the necessary documents in time.
The situation highlights the complexities of dual nationality and the far-reaching impact of changes to immigration rules. For those affected, the process of obtaining a UK passport or Certificate of Entitlement can be both costly and time-consuming, leaving many scrambling to comply before their travel dates. The UK government’s decision has raised concerns about its broader implications for other countries with large expatriate communities, potentially leading to similar changes in visa requirements worldwide.
This issue underscores the importance of understanding one's citizenship status, especially for those with international family ties. For Australians affected by the rule change, the financial and
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/22/2026