If you’re a dual citizen planning to travel to the UK (either for a holiday or returning home from abroad), there are some significant new entry requirements you’ll need to be aware of before booking your next car rental or holiday. These changes came into full effect on February 25th of this year, and as your trusted car rental broker, we’re here to help you avoid any unexpected disruptions at the airport.
What’s changed?
With the rollout of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, airlines and ferry operators must verify a traveller’s permission to enter the UK before boarding. This means that as of late February 2026, British dual nationals can no longer travel to the UK using only their foreign passport, even if that passport normally allows visa‑free entry.
As British and Irish citizens cannot apply for ETAs, those with dual citizenships have only a few official ways to show their permission to enter the UK, which is why carrying a UK or Irish passport is advised. The updated rules reflect a broader shift towards digital border control, where pre‑departure checks are automated and a little stricter than you may be used to.
Who is affected?
These updates apply to anyone who holds both British citizenship and another nationality, including those who usually travel on a non‑UK passport. It also includes travellers whose British passport has expired or who have never applied for one, even if they’re entitled to it through birth or naturalisation. This is equally relevant for long‑term residents living abroad who may not have used their British passport for some time.
If any of these apply to you, it simply means making sure you have the right document ready before you travel. And if you already travel using an in‑date UK or Irish passport, there’s nothing new you need to do – you’re exempt from this update, and your usual pre‑departure process remains exactly the same.
What documents do you now need?
To travel to the UK as a British dual citizen, you must present one of the following:
- A valid British passport
- A Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode – This can be attached to your foreign passport (or issued digitally as an eVisa equivalent). It confirms your legal right to enter the UK without immigration restrictions. However, the certificate comes with a significant fee, and processing can take time.
- A valid Irish passport (Irish dual nationals only)
Preparing for your upcoming flight
To keep your travel plans running smoothly, it’s a good idea to check that your British passport is valid and renew it in advance if it’s expired or within 6 months of expiry. If you don’t currently have a UK passport, you may want to apply for one, as first‑time applications from abroad can take a little longer due to identity checks.
For some families, renewing passports can also be more straightforward and cost‑effective than applying for multiple Certificates of Entitlement. And when travelling to the UK, simply use your British (or Irish) passport so airlines can easily confirm your exemption from ETA requirements.
What this means for your car rental booking
When your travel documents are in order, the rest of your trip – including your car rental – should be smooth sailing. But if you are denied boarding due to the new entry rules, your car rental reservation may be impacted.
If you do experience any delays boarding and think it may affect your collection time, let us know as soon as you can. Rental providers vary in how long they hold a vehicle past the scheduled pick‑up time, so keeping us in the loop means we can step in quickly and help adjust your booking if needed.
Need help or have questions?
We’re always here to help! If you’re unsure how these new rules affect you, our 24/7 customer support team is happy to guide you through what you’ll need before you travel.
The reason I keep coming back to Zest, is because they go out of their way to support their customers. This article about people with with dual citizenship entering /being denied entry to the UK could make all the difference in the world.
And do you think I have heard anything about dual citizenship entry to the UK from the car rental companies I’ve rented from? I’ve heard absolute zip – except ‘do you want some upgrades…’
Every interaction I have with Zest makes me trust them more. I’m glad I have Zest in between me and the rental companies. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
I became a Canadian citizen 5 years after arriving in Canada in 1977 and have never renewed my British passport since and consider myself a Canadian and have never worked or applied for any services or pensions since leaving.
Do I still need to get a British passport?
I currently have a Canadian passport with a eta on it
Hi Joe,
Thanks for reaching out!
From our understanding, you are likely still considered a British citizen unless you formally renounced that status. Under the UK’s new travel rules (fully enforced from 25 February 2026), British dual nationals cannot use an ETA, and airlines must see either a valid British passport, or a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode attached to your Canadian passport. If you still hold British citizenship, your Canadian passport with an ETA won’t be accepted for travel to the UK, and you would need one of the two documents above to board a flight.
As your situation is slightly nuanced, we would recommend getting in contact with UK Visas and Immigration for clarity on your situation. You may find their webchat service of use: https://ukimmigration-support-webchat.homeoffice.gov.uk/eta
I hope this helps and please let us know if you need any more assistance.
Kind regards,
Katherine
Zest Car Rental