NEWS REPORT
Alleged New British Travel Law Affecting Dual Citizens
Claims have been circulating that a new UK travel rule taking effect from 25 February 2026 will affect how British citizens with dual nationality must travel to the United Kingdom.
According to these claims, Yvonne Aki Sawyerr, the Mayor of Freetown and a British citizen, would be required to use only her British passport when travelling to the UK and would no longer be permitted to use a non-British passport, such as a Sierra Leone passport, for that purpose.
Key Points of the Reported Rule
Passport Requirement for Dual Nationals (UK Official Guidance)
UK Government guidance states that dual nationals must travel to the UK using a valid UK (British) passport, a valid Irish passport, or another passport holding a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode. Otherwise, they may not be able to board travel to the UK from 25 February 2026.
End of Using Foreign Passport Alone
Recent news coverage explains that from 25 February 2026, dual British citizens will generally be prevented from entering the UK on a foreign passport alone and must present a British or Irish passport (or a certificate) to prove their status.
Airline & Border Enforcement
Due to changes tied to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, carriers and border control may enforce this passport requirement more strictly after the deadline, meaning dual nationals without acceptable documents might be refused boarding or entry unless they can prove their UK nationality.
Important Clarifications
- UK law recognises dual citizenship; holding another nationality does not cancel British citizenship rights.
- There is no standalone British statute that outright bans dual citizens from holding or using another passport at all times; the enforcement arises mainly from travel document and border control procedures linked to the ETA regime.
- The guidance does not single out individuals; it refers to all British citizens with dual nationality.
Context
Previously, British dual citizens could sometimes travel to the UK using a foreign passport from a visa-exempt country without additional documentation. Under the updated arrangements tied to ETA and document check rules, this flexibility is no longer expected after the end of February 2026.
Verification
Readers are advised to check:
- UK Government official guidance on dual nationality and travel requirements (GOV.UK)
- Recent news coverage on dual citizenship travel changes from reputable outlets.
Attributed to:
Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, OOR
Date: Monday, 19 January 2026
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