Who is affected by the 25 February change?

Anyone with British or Irish citizenship, including many Australians by descent or registration, must use a UK or Irish passport or a Certificate of Entitlement. If you fall under UK passport dual citizenship rules, airlines will not accept an ETA as permission. Your legal status, not your ticket, controls boarding.

Is an ETA valid if I am a British-Australian dual citizen?

No. Under UK ETA rules, British citizens cannot rely on an ETA for entry. If you are a dual national, an ETA linked to your Australian passport will not override your British status. Present a UK passport or, if eligible, a Certificate of Entitlement to avoid denied boarding.

What if I cannot get a UK passport in time?

Check if you qualify for a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode and apply immediately. Contact your airline to confirm acceptable documents before travel. If processing will miss your dates, shift your booking to a later flight and consider flexible fares to avoid change penalties.

Will airlines refund me if I am denied boarding under the new rule?

Refunds depend on fare conditions and airline policy. Many carriers treat missing documents as a passenger responsibility. Call your airline or agent before departure to verify your status. Flexible tickets and documented advice from the carrier improve your options for fee waivers or rebooking assistance.

Law and Government

February 23: UK Dual-Citizen Passport Rule Risks AU Trip Cancellations

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 22, 2026

UK passport dual citizenship rules tighten on 25 February, creating real disruption risk for Australians with British or Irish status. Dual nationals must meet the British passport requirement or carry a Certificate of Entitlement to board flights to the UK. Under new UK ETA rules, many electronic approvals become invalid for dual citizens. Airlines will apply “no permission, no travel,” which can trigger last‑minute cancellations, rebookings, and support costs. We explain who is affected, what to do now, and how this may hit Australia’s travel market.