UK Changes Travel Rules for Canadian-British Dual Citizens

What Is the New Rule?

From February 25, 2026, Canadian-British dual citizens cannot enter the UK using only their Canadian passport.

Instead, they must show:

• A valid British passport, OR
• A Certificate of Entitlement (proof of right to live in the UK)

This rule is introduced by the UK Home Office.

Why Is This Happening?

This change is happening because the UK is launching a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.

However, here’s the important part:

• Canadians need an ETA to visit the UK.
• But British citizens cannot apply for an ETA.
• Therefore, dual citizens travelling only with a Canadian passport have no valid travel permission under the new system.

As a result, airlines will not allow them to board flights without proper British documents.

What Has Actually Changed?

To clarify, the UK has not changed its dual citizenship law.

British dual citizens still:

• Have the right to enter the UK
• Can live and work there freely

However, what has changed is how you prove your citizenship before travel.

Previously:

• You could travel on your Canadian passport.
• Border officers would check your British citizenship after arrival.

Now:

• Airlines must verify your citizenship before departure.
• Without correct documents, you may be denied boarding.

Who Is Affected?

This rule affects all British dual citizens worldwide, including:

British citizens living in Canada

If you were born in the UK or became British before moving to Canada, you are affected.

Canadians with British parents

If one of your parents was British, you may automatically be British even if you never applied for a passport.

Children born in Canada to British parents

Even if they never held a British passport, they may still legally be British.

Canadians who became British through naturalization

If you became British while living in the UK and later returned to Canada, you are affected.

Overall, more than 1.2 million people globally could be impacted.

Important Deadline

February 25, 2026 – New rules officially begin.

Additionally:

• February 24, 2026 → Last day you can travel using only a foreign passport.
• February 26, 2026 → Digital Certificates of Entitlement begin.

Your Travel Options

Fortunately, you have three main options:

Option 1: Get or Renew a British Passport (Best Option)

• Cost: £94.50 (~$165 CAD)
• Valid for 10 years
• Processing time: Up to 6 weeks (if applying from overseas)

This is the most affordable and easiest long-term solution.

Option 2: Apply for a Certificate of Entitlement

• Cost: £589 (~$1,030 CAD)
• Processing time: Up to 8 weeks
• Valid for life (but must be updated when passport changes)

However, it is much more expensive than a passport.

Option 3: Emergency Travel Document

If you need urgent travel:

• Cost: £125 (~$220 CAD)
• Valid for one trip
• Processed within days (for emergencies only)

Can You Use an Expired British Passport?

The UK Home Office has stated that airlines may accept an expired British passport along with your Canadian passport.

However, this depends on the airline. Therefore, you must contact your airline before travelling.

Who Is Exempt?

If you hold an Irish passport, you are exempt.

Thanks to the Common Travel Area agreement, Irish citizens can freely enter the UK.

So, if you are a Canadian resident with Irish citizenship, you can simply use your Irish passport.

What Happens If You Don’t Have Proper Documents?

If you travel without the correct documents after February 25:

• You may be denied boarding.
• You may face travel delays.
• You may experience questioning at the UK border.

Even though you are legally British, airlines can still refuse boarding without proper proof.

Why Is the UK Making This Change?

The UK is moving toward a fully digital border system by 2030.

In other words, they want:

• Faster verification
• Better tracking of who enters and leaves
• More secure borders

Therefore, travel permission must now be confirmed before departure — not after arrival.

What Should You Do Now?

✔ If you have a valid British passport, → Use it for UK travel.
✔ If your British passport has expired, → Contact your airline and consider renewing.
✔ If you never had a British passport → Check your eligibility and apply soon.
✔ If you also hold Irish citizenship → Use your Irish passport.

Most importantly, do not wait until the last minute.

Final Summary

In short, starting February 25, 2026, Canadian-British dual citizens must prove their British citizenship before travelling to the UK.

Simply travelling on a Canadian passport will no longer be enough.

Therefore, applying for or renewing a British passport is the safest and most cost-effective option.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).