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UK Implements New Passport Regulations for Dual Citizens and Introduces Electronic Travel Authorisation

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New UK Travel Regulations: What Dual Citizens and International Travelers Need to Know

New travel regulations affecting dual British and Irish citizens, as well as other international travelers, came into effect for entry into the United Kingdom on February 25. These changes introduce significant requirements for entry, aiming to digitize the immigration system and establish a contactless border.

From February 25, individuals holding both British or Irish citizenship and another nationality are required to enter the UK using either a valid British or Irish passport or another valid passport that contains a Certificate of Entitlement (COE).

New Requirements for Dual Citizens

From February 25, individuals holding both British or Irish citizenship and another nationality are mandated to enter the UK using either a valid British or Irish passport. The alternative is to use another valid passport that contains a Certificate of Entitlement (COE). This regulation explicitly prevents dual citizens from entering the UK using only their non-British or non-Irish passport (e.g., an Australian passport) unless it holds a COE.

Defining Dual Citizenship

  • UK Citizenship: The UK permits dual citizenship. Individuals may be considered UK citizens if they have a UK national parent, were born in the UK, or applied for foreign citizenship without renouncing UK citizenship. British citizenship is often automatically passed down one generation to children born outside the UK if a parent was a citizen at birth. It is possible to be a British citizen without holding a UK passport or being aware of the status.
  • Irish Citizenship: Individuals born on the island of Ireland before 2005 are automatically Irish citizens. For those born on or after January 1, 2005, entitlement to Irish dual citizenship depends on parental citizenship at birth and a parent's residency history before the birth.

Certificate of Entitlement (COE)

A COE is a crucial document inserted into a foreign passport. It verifies the holder's right to reside in the UK without immigration restrictions or time limits. A COE requires renewal whenever the associated passport is renewed.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System

The UK has also implemented an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This digital permit is now required for most travelers from visa-exempt countries, such as Australia and the United States, who enter the UK for tourism or short stays. The ETA is necessary for entry into England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

  • Cost: An ETA costs £10 (approximately $20-32 AUD).
  • Validity: An approved ETA is valid for two years or until the holder's passport expires, allowing multiple visits during its validity.
  • Application: Applications can be submitted online or via an app. It is recommended to apply at least three days prior to travel.

ETA Exemptions

Certain individuals are exempt from the ETA requirement:

  • UK passport holders.
  • Individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
  • Individuals holding a Certificate of Entitlement (COE).
  • An ETA is not required for transit through a UK airport if border control is not passed (Source 1). However, other information suggests it applies to individuals transiting through the UK even without passing through border control (Source 2).

Options for Compliance and Associated Costs

Dual citizens have several options to comply with the new regulations, each with associated costs:

  • Obtain a British Passport: Costs approximately $190-280 AUD or £100 (AU$191).
  • Obtain an Irish Passport: Costs approximately $130 AUD.
  • Obtain a Certificate of Entitlement (COE): Costs £589 (approximately $1,180-1,182 AUD or A$1,100) when applied for outside the UK or Ireland.
  • Renounce Citizenship:
    • UK Citizenship: Renunciation costs approximately A$1,000 / $968 AUD. The process involves applying to the UK government, and a "declaration of renunciation" is issued if accepted. Renunciation is possible only if the individual already holds another citizenship or will acquire one immediately after renouncing, and can impact the status of future children.
    • Irish Citizenship: Individuals over 18 living outside Ireland who are, or are about to become, citizens of another country can renounce Irish citizenship.

Application Process and Processing Times

  • British Passports: Can be applied for online or by post. Online applications are generally faster. First-time adult applicants require identity confirmation and parental details.
  • Irish Passports: Can be applied for online. Online processing for first-time adult and child applications is approximately 20 working days, while paper applications can take eight weeks.
  • General Processing: Passports and COEs typically take three to six weeks to process, though some reports indicate eight weeks or more. Renunciation of UK citizenship can take up to six months.

Non-compliance with these regulations means individuals may be unable to board flights or ships to the UK on or after February 25. Airlines also face fines for allowing passengers with incorrect documentation to travel.

Reported Impact and Challenges

The implementation of these new rules has been associated with reported challenges for affected individuals, particularly Australians with British or Irish dual citizenship. These challenges include:

  • Processing Delays: Reports of processing times extending beyond typical estimates for passports and COEs.
  • Financial Burden: Significant costs associated with obtaining new passports, COEs, or renouncing citizenship.
  • Travel Disruptions: Individual cases include travelers having to cancel or alter plans due to uncertainty over document arrival times or inability to obtain necessary documents prior to travel.
  • Information Access: Some travelers reported difficulties in obtaining clear information or direct support from UK authorities, citing costly helplines and unresponsive communication channels.
  • Impact on Families: Australian-born children with a UK-born parent are affected and may require a British passport even if they have never held one.

Government Rationale and Demographic Context

The UK government has stated that these new rules align with international border policies. They aim to enhance national security, digitize the immigration system, and facilitate a more streamlined, contactless UK border in the future.

In the past financial year, 635,000 Australians visited the UK. As of June 2024, 934,000 people born in England reside in Australia, constituting the largest overseas-born population group in Australia. These figures indicate a significant number of individuals potentially affected by the new regulations.

Warnings Against Passport Application Scams

Amid the new regulations, warnings have been issued regarding third-party websites that overcharge for passport application assistance. These sites may appear official, using government-like logos and optimized search engine rankings.

  • Identifying Legitimate Websites: Experts advise verifying domain names, cross-referencing information from multiple sources, avoiding email links for official applications, and being wary of sites that create urgency or request non-traditional payment methods.
  • Official applications for UK passports can be made via the official UK government website.