CANBERRA, 11 February 2026 – Over one million Australian-British dual citizens are being urged to check their travel documents immediately as a major shift in United Kingdom border policy approaches. From 25 February 2026, the UK will strictly enforce new entry requirements that effectively end the practice of dual nationals entering the country on an Australian passport.
The 25 February Deadline: What is Changing?
While the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has been phased in since April 2025, full enforcement begins in exactly two weeks. Under the new rules, Australian citizens visiting the UK must hold a valid ETA. However, British law dictates that British citizens—including dual nationals—are not eligible for an ETA.
Because dual nationals cannot obtain the mandatory digital travel permit, they will no longer be able to board flights to the UK using their Australian passport. Instead, they must present a valid British passport or a “Certificate of Entitlement” proving their right of abode.
Entering and Leaving Australia
Despite the changes at the British border, Australian law remains unchanged. The Australian Department of Home Affairs and the High Commission continue to mandate that all Australian citizens, including dual nationals, must use their Australian passport when entering or departing Australia.
This creates a “two-passport” requirement for dual citizens: the Australian passport for the Australian border, and the British passport for the UK border and airline check-in desks.
Summary of Passport Requirements
| Action | Passport to Use | Requirement Type |
|---|---|---|
| Departing Australia | Australian Passport | Mandatory |
| Checking in for UK Flight | British Passport | Mandatory (from 25 Feb 2026) |
| Entering the United Kingdom | British Passport | Mandatory (from 25 Feb 2026) |
| Departing the United Kingdom | British Passport | Recommended |
| Entering Australia | Australian Passport | Mandatory |
Impact on Families and Expats
The rule change is causing significant disruption for families, particularly those with children born in Australia to British parents. Under UK law, many of these children are automatically British citizens. Because they are citizens, they are ineligible for an ETA and must now obtain their own British passports to visit family in the UK.
Travel advisors have reported a surge in urgent passport applications, with some travellers facing trip cancellations or significant costs to secure emergency documentation before the 25 February deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel to the UK as a tourist on my Australian passport?
Only if you are not a British citizen. If you hold dual nationality, you are ineligible for the ETA required for Australian travellers and must use a British passport to enter the UK from 25 February 2026.
What if my British passport has expired?
You should renew it immediately. Airlines may deny boarding to dual nationals who attempt to fly to the UK on an Australian passport without an ETA, and you cannot apply for an ETA if you are a British citizen.
Do I need a visa for the UK now?
Australians who are not British citizens do not need a traditional visa for short stays but must apply for an ETA. British-Australian dual citizens do not need a visa or an ETA, but they must prove their citizenship via a British passport.
Will this affect my taxes?
Generally, no. Carrying two passports for travel purposes does not automatically change your tax residency status, which is usually determined by the “183-day rule” and other residency ties rather than which passport you use at the border.