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New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 13 Jan 2026, 23:52
by Sydney_Iron
This is fucking madness
Thought i would post as a few expats on here, expect in the same boat as me!
The UK Government is introducing rules saying anyone Born in the UK who now lives overseas and has taken dual citizenship and passport of that country, can ONLY travel to the UK if they have a British passport!
British and Irish dual citizens bear costly brunt of UK passport changes - ABC News
My UK passport expired in 2009 and as i had an Australian passport as well couldn't see the point in paying for 2, living this side of the world the Australian makes things easier, going to NZ and other regional countries visa free etc, but now if i want to come to the UK i need get a British passport again but as it expired so long ago the steps i need to take are fucking insane.
Be easier to go to France and get a Dinghy across the channel, may even get free hotel accommodation as well
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 16 Jan 2026, 09:00
by fraser
Manuel wrote: ↑16 Jan 2026, 08:35
I don't think it's ridiculous at all the same as I don't think it is to enter Australia I need one, lots of advantages to dual nationality and all you have to do is fill in some forms and send certified photos, you could have done that instead of filling out this thread
Out of interest, as none of this effects me, if you don't think it's ridiculous I would then assume you think it's fine, but why? For me, if a British national born in the UK cannot enter the UK on an alternative (valid) passport then to me that is ridiculous.
Any wisdom as to why this has happened?
Maybe it just seems normal to me because I could never enter Australia on my UK passport. Neither can Sydney but I don't see him saying that's ridiculous
Also when we came in with our kids on their Aussie passport we were told they could only stay as long as any Aussie entering the country so maybe that is why as in if someone enters on a foreign passport they only have the rights of a foreigner... But as I said having been used to it entering Australia it just seems normal.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 16 Jan 2026, 08:35
by Manuel
I don't think it's ridiculous at all the same as I don't think it is to enter Australia I need one, lots of advantages to dual nationality and all you have to do is fill in some forms and send certified photos, you could have done that instead of filling out this thread
Out of interest, as none of this effects me, if you don't think it's ridiculous I would then assume you think it's fine, but why? For me, if a British national born in the UK cannot enter the UK on an alternative (valid) passport then to me that is ridiculous.
Any wisdom as to why this has happened?
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 16 Jan 2026, 07:03
by fraser
Sydney
This new rule from the UK also affects the kids of UK nationals born overseas, as technically the UK says they are British Nationals as well!!! Quite how this is going to work is mind boggling but essentially someone could arrive at Heathrow on a non British passport (or an airport to fly to the UK) and be denied entry as they had a British parent and so can only enter on a UK passport, how fucked up is that???
I doubt they would know if they didn't have a UK passport cause doubt it would flag, but when you apply for a passport you have to declare other passports and nationality.
I don't think it's ridiculous at all the same as I don't think it is to enter Australia I need one, lots of advantages to dual nationality and all you have to do is fill in some forms and send certified photos, you could have done that instead of filling out this thread
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 16 Jan 2026, 02:43
by Manuel
Sydney_Iron wrote: ↑16 Jan 2026, 02:15
Manuel, i agree it's not that hard to fix, just get a British passport if you need to visit the UK, i just originally posted the thread to let others know this new rule change, until my sister told me i was unaware! and its only weeks away.
Added stuff since as people either just make random and "fishing" like comments or to add to what's others have said.
Does seem stupid in some ways though on the one hand i can't enter the UK unless i use a UK passport as they know im a Brit by birth, but to get a new UK passport i have to prove that!!!
but then again we all have to do that anyways, so yeah all a bit meh.
Sure, and it looks like you did BB a good turn going by his comment earlier.
As I said earlier I agree that on the face of it it's ridiculous, but maybe there is a good reason(s) as to why. Maybe a security thing, who knows.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 16 Jan 2026, 02:15
by Sydney_Iron
Manuel, i agree it's not that hard to fix, just get a British passport if you need to visit the UK, i just originally posted the thread to let others know this new rule change, until my sister told me i was unaware! and its only weeks away.
Added stuff since as people either just make random and "fishing" like comments or to add to what's others have said.
Does seem stupid in some ways though on the one hand i can't enter the UK unless i use a UK passport as they know im a Brit by birth, but to get a new UK passport i have to prove that!!!
but then again we all have to do that anyways, so yeah all a bit meh.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 16 Jan 2026, 02:03
by Manuel
Sydney_Iron wrote: ↑16 Jan 2026, 01:09
fraser wrote: ↑15 Jan 2026, 20:54
This new rule from the UK also affects the kids of UK nationals born overseas, as technically the UK says they are British Nationals as well!!! Quite how this is going to work is mind boggling but essentially someone could arrive at Heathrow on a non British passport (or an airport to fly to the UK) and be denied entry as they had a British parent and so can only enter on a UK passport, how fucked up is that???
Form MN1: guidance (accessible version) - GOV.UK
"A child born abroad to a parent who is British otherwise than by descent will automatically be British by descent"
If a kid was born overseas to a British parent, or parents, they would most likely qualify for a passport for the country they were born in, dependent on that country's 'rules', or if say their mother or father is a national of said country. Assuming they do qualify for a passport for the country they were born they won't need a British passport to enter the UK anyway as long as they are a passport holder of a country where you don't need a visa (to enter the UK).
My daughter who is half Thai/British needs a British passport regardless to get in the UK, as can't enter on a Thai passport without a visa.
All these potential problems are easily solved just by getting a British passport, it's not that hard.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 16 Jan 2026, 01:09
by Sydney_Iron
fraser wrote: ↑15 Jan 2026, 20:54
Yes you need a visa and of course you can't get a visa if you're a British citizen. Same as I can't go back to Australia without an Aussie passport.. Australia did this first.
Its nothing new from Australia! Nor is it only Aussies that this new UK rule affects, its anyone who takes dual citizenship of any country or are born to UK nationals.
it’s been this way basically since Australian citizenship formally came into being and broke off from the UK, and it’s been implemented for decades now. Since about 2003/4 and airline passengers have been subject to Advance Passenger Processing, which is the system where an airline checking you in sends your passport details to Canberra and needs an “OK TO BOARD” response before they can complete your check in. If an Australian Citizen presents their other passport, they can’t check in.
And as far as im aware its not as anal as the UK have made it, all Australia says is you need to use an Australian passport if you are a Citizen to enter, renounce that and you can enter on any other passport as long as you have a Visa.
This new rule from the UK also affects the kids of UK nationals born overseas, as technically the UK says they are British Nationals as well!!! Quite how this is going to work is mind boggling but essentially someone could arrive at Heathrow on a non British passport (or an airport to fly to the UK) and be denied entry as they had a British parent and so can only enter on a UK passport, how fucked up is that???
Form MN1: guidance (accessible version) - GOV.UK
"A child born abroad to a parent who is British otherwise than by descent will automatically be British by descent"
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 15 Jan 2026, 20:54
by fraser
Mex Martillo" wrote: ↑15 Jan 2026, 20:48
Seems fair enough if the other passport does not give you the right to enter the UK? Is that the case?
Have to say, even though I left the UK 28 years ago, I have no interest in taking another nationality. The only thing that has fucked me off is that after 15 years I lost my voting rights, which meant I could not vote in Brexit. Good old democracy.
Yes you need a visa and of course you can't get a visa if you're a British citizen. Same as I can't go back to Australia without an Aussie passport.. Australia did this first.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 15 Jan 2026, 20:48
by Mex Martillo
Seems fair enough if the other passport does not give you the right to enter the UK? Is that the case?
Have to say, even though I left the UK 28 years ago, I have no interest in taking another nationality. The only thing that has fucked me off is that after 15 years I lost my voting rights, which meant I could not vote in Brexit. Good old democracy.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 15 Jan 2026, 19:30
by Sydney_Iron
Niblets wrote: ↑15 Jan 2026, 17:28
So you simply need to pay £16 and fill out a form online?
Jesus wept. Thank fuck you're not one of us anymore if that's too difficult for you.
Jesus wept indeed Niblett's son!
You obviously just skimmed it or jumped to conclusions or are just a bit dim?
If you're an Australian it is just that simple! BUT, if your a naturalised (emigrated here) Australian who was BORN in the UK, you can only enter the UK if you use a British passport, seeing as many who emigrate take Australian citizenship, we also have Australian passports now as its been just as easy to enter the UK with up until now!
Some bureaucratic prick in the UK has for whatever reason decided if you were born in the UK you can only come back using a British passport!
I simply posted this as i expect we have expats on the board who may not be aware of the changes upcoming (we did), but yes applying for a UK passport isnt difficult, but banning your own citizens from coming back to visit family/holiday/business does seem a tad ridiculous to me, especially as any other Australian is not affected, only British and Irish born.
Do read stuff before going off half cocked please!
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 15 Jan 2026, 17:28
by Niblets
Sydney_Iron wrote: ↑14 Jan 2026, 07:35
Aust Govt Smartraveller has today updated with:
Australian-British or Australian-Irish dual citizens must enter the UK on their British or Irish passports, or through a certificate of entitlement in another valid passport. These dual citizens are unable to obtain an ETA or visa to enter the UK. Dual citizens may not be able to board a flight to the UK without a valid document (see ‘Travel’). The UK government has advised these requirements will be strictly enforced from 25 February
.https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destin ... ed-kingdom
So you simply need to pay £16 and fill out a form online?
Jesus wept. Thank fuck you're not one of us anymore if that's too difficult for you.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 15 Jan 2026, 16:22
by Gank
Mike Oxsaw" wrote: ↑14 Jan 2026, 23:07
Gank wrote: ↑14 Jan 2026, 17:58
Easy to call people names when you're not able to come and face them.
An anonymous username on a trivial website gets "called names" by another equally anonymous user on the same trivial web site?
What sort of insecure, lily-livered, narcissistic cսnt is going to be offended by that?
Well, 'Mike', as someone who HAS turned up to fight people based on arguments on WHO (they never show up), I'm perfectly qualified to make my statement. However, I appreciate your satirical post and thus won't be offended by it.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 23:20
by BerlingtonBertie
Good on ya Fraser.
Did you end up living in Elm Park?
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 23:07
by Mike Oxsaw
Gank wrote: ↑14 Jan 2026, 17:58
Easy to call people names when you're not able to come and face them.
An anonymous username on a trivial website gets "called names" by another equally anonymous user on the same trivial web site?
What sort of insecure, lily-livered, narcissistic cսnt is going to be offended by that?
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 21:14
by Jasnik
Gank wrote: ↑14 Jan 2026, 17:58
Easy to call people names when you're not able to come and face them.
Yeah you tell em Wank. swt!.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 17:58
by Gank
Easy to call people names when you're not able to come and face them.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 16:20
by Westham67
If you want free NHS dont tell HMRC you are leaving. My NI is going to be two years short of a full pension, 32 years paid in.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 16:16
by Westham67
Do you want me to sponsor a visitor visa for you, Syders?
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 15:36
by fraser
BerlingtonBertie wrote: ↑14 Jan 2026, 14:10
UK is a joke.
All the scum they let in with open arms.
But I cant even get home to see me Ma. Thanks Sydney - will have to sort one.
Yes you can just get a passport, I can't enter Australia without one and a UK one is a third of the price of an Aussie one.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 15:34
by honky cat
In my opinion you can never have too many passports, so take the hit for the £100 ish and get yourself one.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 14:10
by BerlingtonBertie
UK is a joke.
All the scum they let in with open arms.
But I cant even get home to see me Ma. Thanks Sydney - will have to sort one.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 09:00
by Kitchenette
Sydney_Iron wrote: ↑13 Jan 2026, 23:52
This is fucking madness
Thought i would post as a few expats on here, expect in the same boat as me!
The UK Government is introducing rules saying anyone Born in the UK who now lives overseas and has taken dual citizenship and passport of that country, can ONLY travel to the UK if they have a British passport!
British and Irish dual citizens bear costly brunt of UK passport changes - ABC News
My UK passport expired in 2009 and as i had an Australian passport as well couldn't see the point in paying for 2, living this side of the world the Australian makes things easier, going to NZ and other regional countries visa free etc, but now if i want to come to the UK i need get a British passport again but as it expired so long ago the steps i need to take are fucking insane.
Be easier to go to France and get a Dinghy across the channel, may even get free hotel accommodation as well
I travelled to UK when my Aussie passport had expired. Had to eait while they made calls both at Sydney and Hong Kong both on the way out and way back, it was a pain but they let me fly. Much easier just to have both passports up to date..
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 07:37
by Far Cough UKunt
Do what Sven Roeder does, just pretend you're Australian when travelling to Oz and pretend you're English coming back.
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 07:35
by Sydney_Iron
Aust Govt Smartraveller has today updated with:
Australian-British or Australian-Irish dual citizens must enter the UK on their British or Irish passports, or through a certificate of entitlement in another valid passport. These dual citizens are unable to obtain an ETA or visa to enter the UK. Dual citizens may not be able to board a flight to the UK without a valid document (see ‘Travel’). The UK government has advised these requirements will be strictly enforced from 25 February
.https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destin ... ed-kingdom
Re: New UK rules for Expats who are Dual Citizens
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 06:51
by Sydney_Iron
That’s true, UK passport at 127 quid plus postage is cheap compared to the Aussie!
Sounds like it’s changed but when I only had the UK passport I had a multiple entry permanent residence visa for Australia so could come as and go as I pleased.
Once I got citizenship and an Aussie passport I just let the UK one expire as getting another visa was a hassle
and didn’t seem much point in having 2, well up until now
and didn’t seem much point in having 2, well up until now