The new changes could see many Brits needing to fork out £700 on a new passport, something experts say could persuade people to revoke their British citizenship altogether
British citizens with dual nationality will now have to travel to the UK on a British passport, prompting concerns from experts that many will consider renouncing their UK citizenship to avoid hefty costs. Many dual nationals never apply for a British passport, and having do so could set them back nearly £700 in administrative costs.
A British passport costs £100 for an adult, while a certificate of entitlement costs £589. Travelling on a non-British passport alone will now no longer be possible unless you have a certificate confirming you have ‘right of abode’.
The new measure forms part of a larger movement towards digitising border security and introducing standardised, efficient identity checks. However, some experts are warning that the new rules could dissuade people from becoming British citizens, especially those in the business sector who value simplicity and cost effectiveness.
A spokesperson from the DeVere group, who provide financial advice to Brits living abroad, warned that many were considering revoking their citizenship too. “Our experience with . . . expat clients suggests the rule is already influencing how some individuals view their citizenship.
“A small but growing number are considering whether maintaining British citizenship continues to make sense for them,” he says. “These are typically professionals, entrepreneurs and investors who live across several jurisdictions and prioritise simplicity and flexibility in how they travel and manage their affairs.”
Census data shows that dual citizen numbers are on the up in the UK, partly due to the increased value of having multiple passports when it comes to travel restrictions. A Campaign group that supports EU citizens in the UK has also criticised the new measures, saying that no enough was done to warn dual nationals of the updated rules.
“The Home Office has not done enough to warn dual nationals of the serious impact this will have on them,” the head of policy at the3million said, as reported by the BBC.
She called on leaders to “urgently hit the pause button” and bring in a “low-cost, one-off travel authorisation” for dual nationals who have found their travel plans disrupted.
A Home Office spokesperson told the BBC: “Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024 and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023.
“This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia.”
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