Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Electronic Travel Authorisation: Dual Nationals

25 February 2026 · 15 other contributors

Opened by Mike Tapp Lab Dover and Deal

Immigration

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Mike Tapp raised concerns about electronic travel authorisation: dual nationals in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Introduction of electronic travel authorisations is part of the Home Office's plans to modernise the UK's border and immigration system.
  • Carriers will check that eligible passengers hold an ETA before allowing travel to the UK.
  • British citizens, including dual nationals, do not need ETAs and must travel with a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Mike Tapp

The introduction of electronic travel authorisations (ETAs) is part of the Home Office's plans to modernise and digitise the UK’s border and immigration system. From today, carriers will check that eligible passengers hold an ETA before travelling to the UK, denying boarding to those without correct permissions. British citizens, including dual nationals, do not need ETAs and must travel with a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement (COE) for right of abode. The Home Office has provided clear guidance on their website and communicated directly with recent naturalised citizens via emails and written materials at ceremonies. Temporary measures are in place to assist those who have been abroad for long periods, such as accepting expired UK passports issued after 1989 alongside a valid non-visa national third country passport, subject to carrier discretion. The Home Office has also established a support hub for carriers.

Other contributors (15)
  • Manuela Perteghella Lib Dem Stratford-on-Avon

    Question

    Critiques the Government's handling of the ETA scheme, highlighting issues such as inadequate communication, lack of clear border guidance, and high costs for British dual nationals. Calls on the Minister to delay enforcement, introduce low-cost one-off travel authorisations, provide urgent help through consulates, and ensure better communication.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges concerns but maintains that the Home Office has worked hard to communicate the new measures via multiple channels including media and direct communications with naturalised citizens. Explains that British citizens do not need ETAs due to legal restrictions and provides information on passport costs (£100) and expedited emergency travel document services (£589 certificate of entitlement). Mentions temporary transitional measures in place, such as accepting expired passports issued after 1989.

  • Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East

    Question

    Describes a case where two constituents who recently became British citizens are stranded abroad due to the new ETA requirements. Asks for advice on how they can return home without incurring high costs.

    Minister reply

    Suggests that the MP’s constituents visit the Government website and call the support line for immediate advice. Offers to discuss the case further at a drop-in session scheduled for Monday, where officials will also be present.

  • Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford

    Question

    Acknowledges the ETA scheme introduced to strengthen Britain's borders, criticises Liberal Democrat stance as unrealistic regarding three-year notice period. Asks about consular services support for dual nationals, adequacy of communications plan, airlines accepting expired British passports issued since 1989, and military personnel returning home.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges agreement on much but points to previous government's mess. Confirms consular services are in place but limited; tweets posted this morning; cannot control airline policies exactly; military personnel will face no issues.

  • Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East

    Question

    Raises serious concerns about the new rules impacting British dual nationals, suggesting they could be stranded abroad or priced out of returning home. Asks to pause the rules for meaningful consultation and removes £589 charge.

    Minister reply

    Rejects framing; communication efforts have been significant since 2023 on Government website; built transitional arrangements; policy not rushed.

  • Will Forster Lib Dem Woking

    Question

    Congratulates member for securing the urgent question, criticising lack of planning and haphazard communications. Mentions case where family almost stranded in France due to lack of information; asks for grace period or transition period.

    Minister reply

    Rejects framing as absurd; years of planning from officials; emergency travel documents available through Government website.

  • Stella Creasy Lab Co-op Walthamstow

    Question

    Asks about babies stuck in foreign countries due to current policy, suggesting a waiver on fees for children.

    Minister reply

    Thanked for the point; no exemption at this time but willing to meet further. Average turnaround time of nine days should not be an issue.

  • Karen Bradley Con Staffordshire Moorlands

    Question

    Inquires about interim measures allowing individuals to use electronic travel authorisation while sorting out passports.

    Minister reply

    Cannot open ETAs to British citizens; turnaround time is good, within four weeks average nine days; encourages specific case to be brought to drop-in.

  • Daniel Francis Lab Bexleyheath and Crayford

    Question

    Highlights bureaucratic issues faced by dual nationals due to delays in receiving UK passports.

    Minister reply

    Urges a meeting on Monday to discuss details rather than breaking it down publicly.

  • Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire

    Question

    Questions the methods used for communication, suggesting direct contact with individuals with dual nationalities.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges question but ignores Brexit rant; Government website is the first place to seek travel advice. No database of dual nationals, emails and messages sent out.

  • Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton

    Question

    A constituent of hers, Petra Gartzen, is on holiday in Spain but unable to re-enter the UK due to being a dual national without a British passport or an ETA. She asks what advice can be given for her if her British passport does not arrive by 6 March.

    Minister reply

    The Minister suggests that Rupa Huq visit his session on Monday where civil servants will provide assistance and also directs them to the Government website and phone number for such incidents.

  • David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington

    Question

    He thanks journalists for covering this issue which helped three of his constituents, one being in their 90s who felt unable to return home due to the new rules. He asks if a grace period can be considered.

    Minister reply

    The Minister states that there is no intimidation and that these changes are about securing borders and modernisation similar to other countries. He offers to meet on Monday to discuss individual circumstances.

  • Tom Hayes Lab Bournemouth East

    Question

    He asks if the ETA regime has created a de facto UK passport requirement for British citizens and inquires about actions taken by the Home Office to stop illegal migrants and foreign criminals from entering the country.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirms that these changes make the border more secure, allowing checks on foreign criminals attempting to enter the country.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    He asks if the Home Office will consider providing an ID card accessible online for free or at minimal cost as a solution to the issues of obtaining passports.

    Minister reply

    The Minister indicates that modernisation includes digitisation but does not make new announcements in response to this urgent question.

  • Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

    Question

    She raises concerns about British citizens being denied access to their own country similar to the Windrush scandal, referencing cases of constituents affected by new requirements.

    Minister reply

    The Minister emphasises taking lessons from the Windrush scandal seriously and offers to meet on Monday to discuss specific cases, ensuring people can apply for a passport or an emergency travel document.

Shadow Comment

Manuela Perteghella

The introduction of ETAs risks preventing British citizens from returning home due to inadequate communication and overly stringent enforcement. Dual nationals are unable to apply for an ETA, must produce a costly certificate of entitlement (£589), and carriers face heavy fines (£2,000) if they do not comply strictly with the rules. The lack of clear border guidance has resulted in confusion and chaos for British citizens. Perteghella urges the Government to delay enforcement, introduce low-cost one-off travel authorisations for dual nationals, provide urgent help through consulates and high commissions, and ensure better communication.

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