February 18, 2026 | Greek City Times Newsroo From February 25, new UK passport regulations will impact British dual nationals traveling from Spain, Greece, and other EU countries. Under the updated rules, passengers must present a British passport when boarding planes, ferries, or trains to the UK.
Certificate of Entitlement Option
Dual nationals who hold a second passport may alternatively use a “certificate of entitlement”, but the document comes with a steep cost of nearly £600. The requirement is particularly challenging for those who obtained foreign citizenship after Brexit.
A key complication arises from the rule requiring exact name alignment between the British passport and the second passport. Any mismatch can prevent boarding, causing difficulties especially for women whose names may change due to marriage or other legal reasons.
Concerns Over Discrimination
Campaigners describe the new rules as discriminatory against women. Julia Cross, from the grassroots organisation British in Greece, explained, “Many didn’t know they had to get a second passport, but the requirement for name alignment on the two passports is discriminatory and only impacts women.”
The Home Office has issued guidance stating that, in exceptional circumstances, individuals unable to change their foreign-issued documents may be allowed to use a different name on a Home Office-issued document.
Ms Cross shared real-life examples of dual nationals affected: “One woman felt she had been banned from entering her own country. Another asked if we are now entering a Trumpian environment where they turn against their own citizens.”
Practical Challenges for Travellers
Dual nationals living in Spain, Greece, and Germany have reported airlines may refuse boarding if passport names do not match. Some highlighted the difficulty of managing different naming conventions, with British citizens typically using a single surname and foreign passports sometimes requiring two.
A family planning travel over Easter commented on the high financial burden: “It’s ridiculous that we now must pay nearly £600 if we can’t get a passport.” Others argue that tourists are being treated better than citizens, calling for simpler solutions like an ETA system.
Key Takeaways
- Effective February 25, 2026, all dual nationals must present a British passport when entering the UK.
- A certificate of entitlement is an alternative but costs nearly £600.
- Name mismatches between passports could prevent boarding.
- Women are disproportionately affected due to name changes after marriage.
- Campaigners are calling for policy revisions to prevent discrimination and ease travel burdens.
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