UK Government Introduces New Passport Rules That Could Force Dual Citizen Children Born Abroad to Pay £589 Certificate of Entitlement to Enter Britain

British families living overseas are facing a sudden and costly hurdle as new passport regulations come into effect.

Starting February 25, 2026, dual citizens — including infants and children born abroad — will be required to present a valid British passport to enter the UK.

If they don’t have one, travelers must obtain a “certificate of entitlement,” which costs a staggering £589 per person.

The announcement has left many Brits abroad scrambling and frustrated, with families claiming the new rules are both confusing and discriminatory.

Critics argue the sudden change threatens the ability of legal citizens to visit their own country without paying exorbitant fees.

Families Caught in the Middle

One high-profile example involves a 10-month-old baby whose parents are trying to travel to New Zealand.

Despite submitting all requested documentation, the Home Office requested the child’s New Zealand passport as well — leaving the family unsure if they will be allowed to depart or return.

The baby’s grandmother said, “We’re not going to do that because then he certainly won’t be able to travel, with no passport at all.”

Similarly, Rebecca Witham, who lives in France, expressed fears that the new rules could prevent families like hers from visiting the UK.

Her son holds only a French passport, and she describes the regulations as “discrimination” affecting millions of British citizens with dual nationality.

With the cost of a certificate approaching £600, she says, “Families can no longer visit the UK, where they are legal citizens.”

Business Travelers Feeling the Pinch

The new regulations aren’t just affecting families.

James, a British-Italian born and educated in London, had a business trip booked to New York, returning after the rules take effect.

He has never had a British passport and previously relied on his Italian passport for travel.

Now, he faces the possibility of being denied re-entry to the UK.

James told The Guardian, “I found myself having to travel at short notice and am now facing the idea that I may not be allowed back into the country.”

With the certificate backlog taking weeks, paying the £589 fee is not even a practical option for him.

Government Justification

A Home Office spokesperson explained that the new requirements are designed to create a “seamless travel experience” while strengthening national security.

They stated, “From 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid delays at the border.”

The government argues that the change will help prevent those who pose a threat from entering the UK and provide a clearer picture of immigration patterns.

Context: Migration, Population, and Controversy

The passport rules come amid broader debates over immigration and population growth.

Just last week, billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked outrage by claiming the UK had been “colonised by immigrants,” citing a population increase from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million today.

He later apologized after the Prime Minister called the remarks offensive.

Meanwhile, small boat migration has reached record highs under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with over 66,000 arrivals in just 19 months — surpassing totals from Boris Johnson’s three-year tenure.

The Human Cost

These policies highlight the unintended consequences of immigration control and border security measures on ordinary citizens.

Families are left stressed, business travelers uncertain, and infants at risk of being turned away at the border — all while trying to comply with a system that has limited support lines and confusing requirements.

What’s Next?

The coming weeks will show how the Home Office manages the surge in certificate applications.

Dual citizens, families, and businesses may push for exemptions or expedited processing after reports of confusion and travel disruptions emerge.

Lawmakers and advocacy groups could also pressure the government for adjustments, particularly for infants and short-term travelers who have previously relied on dual nationality flexibility.

Travelers are advised to apply early for certificates, check passport validity, and plan for potential delays when entering the UK.

Summary

New UK passport rules effective February 25, 2026, require dual citizens — including children born abroad — to present a valid British passport or obtain a £589 certificate of entitlement to enter the country.

Families and business travelers have raised concerns over costs, travel disruption, and potential discrimination.

The Home Office defends the rules as enhancing border security and streamlining travel, while critics warn of widespread complications.

The policy coincides with rising migration numbers and heightened public debate about population and immigration control in the UK.