British and Irish Dual Nationals: UK ETA Rules and Passport Requirements

As the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme moves into full enforcement from 25 February 2026, British and Irish dual citizens face a potentially overlooked administrative burden if they want to ensure delay free travel to the UK: of having to carry evidence of their British or Irish citizenship to satisfy carriers they are exempted from the requirements under the scheme. 

What is the ETA Scheme 

The ETA is advanced digital permission to travel to the UK. It is not entry clearance.  Under the scheme ETA possession is mandatory for travellers to the UK who are not required to secure, pre-arrival, entry clearance for short-term visiting purposes. British or Irish nationals are exempted from the scheme.   

The ETA scheme was in fact introduced to ensure the UK is able to advance-screen the identity of everybody seeking to travel to the UK, not just those screened through a requirement to make entry clearance applications. 

It is important to note that the ETA scheme is enforced by airlines, who are obligated to check before allowing boarding that a passenger either has entry clearance for the UK or has an ETA, unless exempted. 

Dual Citizens Are Also Exempted from ETA   

For the purposes of the ETA scheme, dual citizens with British or Irish nationality are treated as if they are only British or Irish and cannot obtain an ETA. This applies even if:  

• • • They apply using their non-British passport  

• • • That nationality would normally require an ETA  

• • • They have previously travelled to the UK on their non-British passport  

Proving ETA Exemption in Practice: How to Avoid Boarding Problems   

From 25 February, carriers are required to fully implement ETA rules. Before boarding, they must ensure passengers have a valid ETA or proof they do not need one.   

When travelling to the UK, British or Irish dual nationals should prove their exemption from the ETA requirement by travelling with:  

• • • A valid British passport  

• • • A valid Irish passport  

• • • Another valid passport endorsed with a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode  

This is because it cannot be assumed that checks airlines are obligated to conduct will themselves clearly confirm an individual’s exemption from the ETA scheme. 

Dual British or Irish national using a foreign passport, such as a US, EU, or Australian passport, may face administrative complications with ETA rules. Boarding may be refused if the traveller cannot prove British or Irish citizenship.  

Carriers are not expected to resolve complex nationality questions at check-in and could face penalties if they transport passengers, such as dual British citizens – without a British passport. If ETA exemption is not established, the default outcome is likely to be denial of boarding.  

Final Thoughts 

Our advice for dual British or Irish nationals is therefore to always travel on a valid and accessible British or Irish passport when entering the UK. With ETA implementation in full force from next month, travellers can no longer only rely on their other passport to travel to the UK.  

As screening moves earlier in the process and ETA requirements are checked before boarding, documentation of British or Irish citizenship becomes more important than a visitor’s individual choice of which citizenship status to use.  

To the system, proof of British or Irish citizenship is the only thing that counts for travel authorization where entry clearance is not required. It is easier to prevent denial of boarding than to deal with it at the gate.   

Need to Know More?  

For any questions on UK ETA rules and passport requirements for British and Irish dual nationals, please reach out to Director Shuyeb Muquit at [email protected].  

This blog was published on 29 January 2026, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.