Dubai / London — February 25, 2026: British citizens living in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf nations have been cautioned that newly introduced UK border rules may complicate their travel plans, particularly if they hold dual nationality or travel on non-British passports.
From February 25 onwards, the United Kingdom has fully enforced a revamped border entry system aimed at modernising how people arrive into the country. At the heart of the changes is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a digital permission now required for most visitors entering the UK — even those who previously didn’t need a visa.
Under the updated rules, travellers from countries that enjoy visa-free access to the UK, such as the United States, Australia and most European states, must obtain an ETA before departure. The authorization costs about £16 and is valid for multiple stays of up to six months over a two-year period.
Major Impact on Dual Nationals
However, while the ETA applies to many international visitors, British citizens and Irish nationals are exempt — but with an important caveat for those holding dual nationality.
Until now, dual nationals could travel to the UK using their non-British passport (for example Emirati, Indian or other Gulf identities) if that passport allowed visa-free travel. But the new enforcement means dual British citizens must now present a valid British passport — or hold a costly Certificate of Entitlement proving their right to live in the UK — if they want to board a flight, ferry or train heading there.
If travellers fail to produce these documents, carriers are now authorised — and in some cases legally required — to refuse them boarding before they even reach the UK border.
Confusion and Rush to Update Documents
The change has triggered confusion and urgency among many British expatriates in the Gulf who have either let their UK passports lapse or have never applied for one because they usually travel on their other nationality. In some cases, securing a new British passport or a certificate can take several weeks — potentially disrupting holidays, work commitments or visits home.
Officials from the UK Home Office and British embassies have stressed that these moves are part of wider efforts to digitalise and strengthen border security, with clearer checks designed to make travel smoother and safer for all visitors. Temporary measures allow airlines at their discretion to accept expired British passports as proof of nationality in limited circumstances, but this doesn’t replace the long-term requirement for valid documentation.
Many travellers have said they were unaware of the new requirements until very recently, sparking criticism that the rules were not adequately communicated in advance. Campaigners and concerned dual nationals have called on UK authorities to offer greater clarity and transitional support.
What Travellers Should Do
For British expats and dual nationals in the Gulf planning to fly or travel to the UK soon, experts strongly recommend:
- Confirming that your British passport is valid before booking travel.
- If you don’t hold a UK passport, consider applying for one as early as possible.
- Alternatively, apply for a Certificate of Entitlement to attach to your other nationality passport.
- Don’t rely on ETA or visa-free status if you are a British citizen — those are no longer sufficient.
With the new system now in force, travellers are advised to double-check all travel documentation well ahead of departure to avoid being denied boarding or facing last-minute disruptions.
