If you’re a dual citizen of Australia and the UK or Ireland, important travel rule changes are coming that may affect how you travel between countries. These updates can feel confusing, so here’s a simple explanation of what’s changing, who it applies to, and what you need to do before your next trip.
What’s Changing for Dual Citizens?
From 25 February 2026, the UK and Ireland will tighten its travel rules for people who hold citizenship in more than one country. That means:
- If you are a dual citizen of Australia and the UK or Ireland, you must use your British or Irish passport (not your Australian passport) when you enter the UK. This rule is being strictly enforced at the border and by airlines.
- In the past, dual citizens could sometimes choose which passport to present but that flexibility is ending. Now, if you try to board a flight to the UK with only your Australian passport, you could be denied boarding.
- If your UK or Irish passport has expired, or you don’t have one, you’ll need to renew it before travel. Another option (though expensive) is a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) placed inside your Australian passport to prove your right to live in the UK.
These changes aim to make sure everyone travelling to the UK can easily prove their right of citizenship before boarding a plane or ship.
Who Does This Affect?
This affects anyone who:
- Has both Australian citizenship and UK citizenship, or
- Has both Australian citizenship and Irish citizenship.
It does not apply to Australians who only hold Australian citizenship and travel on an Australian passport. Travellers from visa‑exempt countries (like Australia) will still need an ETA (explained below) before visiting the UK.
What if I Don’t Have a British or Irish Passport?
If you know you have British or Irish citizenship but don’t currently have a passport, you’ll need to:
- Apply for or renew your British or Irish passport before travelling.
- Or, get a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) placed inside your Australian passport. This proves your UK/Irish citizenship but is much more expensive than a passport.
If you only have an Australian passport and cannot show your British or Irish citizenship in another way, airlines may not allow you to board your flight.
What Is an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)?
Even if you are not a dual citizen, travellers from visa‑exempt countries like Australia normally must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK. An ETA is:
- A digital travel permission (not a visa).
- Required for short stays in the UK for things like tourism, visiting family, or short business trips up to six months.
- Linked electronically to your passport.
- Valid for multiple trips over two years (or until your passport expires).
You apply online through the official UK government ETA service – it’s a simple form, you pay a small fee, and most decisions are made quickly once you apply.
Important: If you are a British or Irish passport holder, you do not need an ETA to travel to the UK.
Where to Find More Info
For the most accurate and up‑to‑date travel requirements:
- Visit the UK Government’s official ETA page at GOV.UK
- Contact your airline before departure to make sure your passport and documents meet the entry requirements.
- The Smartraveller website
Information is correct as of 20 January 2026.