Who is affected by the new rule on 25 February?

British or Irish dual nationals who are also Australian are affected. They must present a UK or Irish passport, or a Certificate of Entitlement, at check-in. Using only an Australian passport can lead to denied boarding. This applies even if the traveller has an ETA or prior UK entry history.

Do British or Irish citizens need a UK ETA?

No. A British or Irish citizen does not need a UK ETA. The issue is proof. If a dual national presents an Australian passport, systems read them as a non-citizen and may expect an ETA. Showing the UK or Irish passport removes the ETA requirement and clears check-in.

What should Australian travel agents do now?

Add a nationality prompt, collect the UK or Irish passport number for dual nationals, and send reminders at seven days and 48 hours before departure. Publish a one-page explainer on dual citizen travel requirements. Train staff on airline check-in enforcement and how to verify a Certificate of Entitlement quickly.

What costs should investors expect near term?

Expect higher refund liabilities, rebooking fees, airport vouchers, and longer call times in late February and early March. These costs hit AUD margins. Watch weekly indicators like refund rate, average handle time, and voucher outlay per disrupted passenger to gauge the earnings impact and recovery pace.

Can travellers switch passports at the gate?

They should present the correct UK or Irish passport at check-in, not just at the gate. Airline systems validate travel permission during check-in. If a mismatch appears, staff may refuse boarding until proper documents are shown. Carry both passports and keep digital and paper copies of confirmations.

Law and Government

February 23: UK Dual-Passport Rule Puts AU Airlines, Agents on Alert

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

The UK passport dual citizenship rule tightens on 25 February, with a strict no permission, no travel stance. British or Irish Australians must check in with a UK or Irish passport, or a Certificate of Entitlement, not an Australian passport. Airlines and agencies face denied boardings, rebookings, and refund exposure. We outline UK ETA rules interplay, airline check-in enforcement, and what investors in Australia should watch as Northern Hemisphere bookings ramp up in Q2 and Q3.