Australians with British or Irish citizenship will soon face new UK entry requirements that significantly change long-standing travel practices. From 25 February 2026, dual citizens will no longer be permitted to enter the UK using an Australian passport alone. Travellers who are legally recognised as British or Irish citizens must present valid proof of that status before boarding.
From this date, affected travellers must hold one of the following:
A valid British passport
A valid Irish passport
A valid foreign passport endorsed with a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the UK
Without one of these documents, airlines are required to refuse boarding, even if the traveller has previously entered the UK on an Australian passport.
Australian passport holders who are not British or Irish citizens must instead obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short stays such as tourism or business. The ETA costs approximately £16, is required for all travellers including children, and allows multiple visits of up to six months over a two-year validity period.
The new rules commonly affect Australians born in the UK, those with British or Irish parents, individuals who never formally renounced British citizenship, or those entitled to Irish citizenship by descent. Citizenship status is determined by UK or Irish law, not travel history or passport preference.
Travellers without the correct documents risk denied boarding, travel disruption and financial loss. Costs may also arise for passport applications, Certificates of Entitlement, or citizenship renunciation.
Australians planning UK travel should confirm their citizenship status early and secure the correct documentation well before booking flights to avoid disruption.