Dual nationals to be denied entry to UK from 25 February unless they have British passport

New border controls require ‘certificate of entitlement’ to attach to second nationality passport that costs £589

Dual British nationals have been warned they may be denied boarding a flight, ferry or train to the UK after 25 February unless they carry a valid British passport.

The warning by the Home Office comes amid scores of complaints from British people living or travelling abroad who have suddenly found themselves at risk of not being allowed into the UK.

The problem has arisen because of a change in border controls on 25 February, when everyone travelling to the UK will need permission to travel, unless they are a British or Irish citizen or are otherwise exempt. Visitors for short stays must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation that costs £16.

But dual nationals will, for the first time, be obliged to show their British passport to travel to the UK or pay what many believe is a punitive price of £589 for a “certificate of entitlement” to attach to their second nationality passport in order to board a flight, ferry or train.