British Dual Nationals Travelling to the UK: Passport and ETA Rules
Holding a second nationality does not mean a British dual national can rely on a foreign passport and an ETA to travel to the UK.
Since 25 February 2026, the UK has enforced digital permission-to-travel requirements for relevant passengers. British and Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA scheme. British dual nationals cannot apply for an ETA as an alternative to proving their British citizenship.
Which travel documents should British dual nationals carry?
As a general rule, UK guidance identifies these documents:
A valid British passport.
A valid Irish passport, where the traveller is an Irish citizen.
Another valid passport accompanied by a certificate of entitlement proving the right of abode in the UK.
Do not assume that a Cypriot or other non-UK passport alone will be sufficient for airline boarding merely because the holder is also a British citizen.
What if your British passport has expired?
GOV.UK says an airline may decide to allow travel if the passenger carries both an expired British passport issued in 1989 or later and a valid passport of a nationality eligible for an ETA, with matching personal details. This is a discretionary carrier decision, not an entitlement to board. Check directly with the carrier before travel.
Is there an EU Settlement Scheme exception?
There is a specific route for some people who became British citizens after settling in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. GOV.UK states that such travellers may use a valid passport of their other nationality or a qualifying national identity card. They should check the relevant eVisa/UKVI record and update their travel document details before departure.
Checklist for flights from Cyprus
Confirm each traveller’s nationality and documents, including children’s.
Check that the travel document is valid and that names and personal details match.
If relying on an exception, read the relevant GOV.UK criteria and ask the airline in advance.
Allow time to obtain a British passport or certificate of entitlement if required.
Related reading and official guidance
Related article: British passport two-year referee rule for Cyprus applicants.
For Cyprus residence matters, see our Immigration Law and Relocation services.
Official guidance: GOV.UK, Dual citizenship.
Official guidance: GOV.UK, Who does not need an ETA.
For Cyprus-issued documentation or related Cyprus legal formalities, contact Law Chambers Nicos Papacleovoulou LLC at law@papacleovoulou.com. UK citizenship, travel-document and boarding decisions remain with the relevant UK authorities and carrier.
Last reviewed: 2 November 2026. General information only; always check current official rules before travel.
