UK Government Implements New Passport Rules That Could Force British Parents Living Abroad to Pay Hundreds of Pounds to Bring Their Children Back to the Country

Starting February 25, 2026, British citizens with dual nationality could face unexpected hurdles when trying to enter the UK.

For the first time, children and adults who hold dual citizenship will need to either present a valid British passport or pay £589 for a “certificate of entitlement” to travel by flight, ferry, or train.

The change has sparked widespread frustration among Britons living abroad, many of whom were caught off guard by the Home Office’s new requirements.

Babies and Children Could Be Turned Away at the Border

The rules have left families anxious about traveling with their children.

A British couple preparing to fly to New Zealand with their 10-month-old baby expressed fears their child could be refused entry.

The grandmother shared with The Times that their application was delayed because authorities asked for the baby’s New Zealand passport—a document they refused to provide for fear it would prevent travel entirely.

Attempts to contact the Home Office proved fruitless, as the family said there were no dedicated lines for handling such cases.

Even the British High Commission in New Zealand reportedly told them they could not assist.

Dual Nationals See Travel as Discriminatory

For British citizens living overseas, the change feels unfair.

Rebecca Witham, a UK citizen residing in France, worries that the new rules will prevent families from visiting the UK.

With only a French passport for her son, she sees the £589 fee per person as prohibitive and discriminatory.

“It affects millions of legal citizens,” she told The Guardian, emphasizing that families are being blocked from returning to a country where they hold citizenship.

Business Travelers Struggle With Backlogs

It’s not just families who are affected. James, a British-Italian business traveler, recently faced the dilemma of potentially being stranded abroad.

Born and raised in London but without a British passport, James had planned a short-notice trip to New York. Under the new rules, he now fears he might be denied re-entry.

Weeks-long processing times for the certificate of entitlement make it nearly impossible for travelers like him to comply in time.

Home Office Defends the Move

A spokesperson for the Home Office defended the new rules, saying they are part of a wider plan to create a “seamless travel experience.”

According to officials, the measures will help the government prevent individuals who may pose a threat from entering the country, while providing a clearer picture of immigration patterns.

The spokesperson urged dual nationals to ensure they have the correct travel documentation to avoid delays.

Broader Context: Migration and Political Sensitivities

The passport changes come amid a politically charged environment surrounding immigration.

Billionaire businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently stirred controversy by claiming the UK had been “colonised by immigrants,” citing a population increase from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million today.

After criticism, including from the Prime Minister, he apologized for his wording.

Meanwhile, migration statistics continue to grab headlines.

Under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, over 66,000 small boat migrants have arrived in the UK in just over 19 months, surpassing the total during Boris Johnson’s three-year tenure.

These figures highlight the ongoing challenges the government faces in balancing border security with citizen rights.

What’s Next?

Families and dual nationals will need to act quickly.

Those planning travel should apply for a British passport or certificate of entitlement immediately to avoid being turned away.

With high costs and long processing times, the new rules may force some families to postpone or even cancel trips.

Legal and advocacy groups are expected to challenge the policy, arguing it unfairly targets British citizens living abroad.

Summary

The UK’s new passport regulations require all dual British citizens, including children, to present a valid passport or pay £589 for a certificate of entitlement.

Families and business travelers are struggling with bureaucratic delays, while advocacy groups warn of discrimination against legal citizens.

The rules emerge amid heated debates on immigration and political controversies surrounding population growth and small boat crossings, making border travel a complex issue for dual nationals.