"Disorderly Situation":" Perplexity intensifies regarding ETA visa exception for British citizens holding dual nationalities"
In light of the recent expansion of the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to cover all EU/EFTA nationals, there has been some confusion regarding the implications for British dual nationals. Here's what you need to know.
As of April 2nd, the ETA requirement applies to all EU/EFTA nationals entering the UK, except those with a UK or Irish passport, residency status, or a visa for the UK. However, the Home Office has confirmed that British dual nationals are exempt from this requirement, even if their other nationality is from a country that ordinarily requires an ETA.
To ensure a smooth entry into the UK, the Home Office advises that British dual nationals should travel using their British passport. This eliminates the need for an ETA and clearly proves the right of entry. If a dual national chooses to travel on their other passport, they may be subject to ETA requirements or need to provide additional proof of their right to enter and reside in the UK.
The ETA application process includes a section where applicants are asked to "declare other nationalities," but there is no option to declare oneself a British citizen in this section. This has caused some concern among British dual nationals, but the Home Office has not expected carriers to deny boarding to British dual citizens without valid British passports, giving people time to adjust to the change.
The cost of the ETA is currently €12, but it will rise to €19 from April 9th. Renewing a UK passport from overseas costs £101 (rising to £108 on April 10th), while a Certificate of Entitlement costs £550. Both processes take several weeks.
It's important to note that under the Immigration Act 1971, British citizens automatically have the right of abode in the UK and are exempt from immigration control. Giving misinformation to enter the UK may lead to problems at the border and potentially prosecution.
The British embassy in Stockholm has advised British dual citizens to have a valid British passport when traveling to the UK to avoid any complications in the future. The Home Office has also stated that dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship do not need and should not apply for an ETA.
In summary, British dual nationals should travel to the UK using their British passport to avoid needing an ETA and to ensure seamless entry. If they use their other passport, they may be subject to ETA requirements or need to provide additional proof of their right to enter and reside in the UK. For more information, you can visit the Home Office's ETA fact sheet on gov.uk.
[1] UK Home Office, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fact sheet, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eta-factsheet/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet [2] The Local, Brits in Europe rush to get new passports to avoid ETA complications, https://www.thelocal.de/20230401/brits-in-europe-rush-to-get-new-passports-to-avoid-eta-complications [3] The Guardian, Electronic travel authorisation: what Britons in the EU need to know, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/03/electronic-travel-authorisation-what-britons-in-the-eu-need-to-know
- It's essential for British dual nationals to prioritize using their British passports for travel to the UK, as this avoids the need for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and promotes a smoother entry process.
- Alternatively, if a British dual national decides to travel on their other passport, they may face ETA requirements or need to present additional evidence to verify their right to enter and reside in the UK.
