UK Plot Entry Denial to Foreign-Born Children Without British Passport

By Rachel Akper

 The UK government is set to enforce new passport rules from February 25, which could prevent foreign-born children of British citizens from entering the country unless they hold a British passport or a certificate of entitlement.

Under the new regulations, British citizens with dual nationality can no longer enter the UK using a non-British passport. Previously, citizens holding another nationality such as US, Nigerian, or Spanish could travel freely with their foreign passport.

Now, travellers must either present a valid British passport or a £589 certificate of entitlement affixed to their other passport to prove their right to live in the UK.

The rule applies to children born abroad to British parents, who automatically acquire British citizenship at birth.

Families who have not obtained a British passport for their children may face delays at border control, or risk being refused entry altogether.

The UK government says the measure is part of efforts to modernize and digitalize border checks, and to streamline entry under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.

However, critics have raised concerns about the high cost of certificates and the short notice for families, warning that many may face disruptions to travel plans.

Expats and dual-national families are being urged to apply promptly for British passports for their children to avoid complications, particularly as the new rules take effect in less than a week.