The UK government has clarified that limited concessions may apply for some dual nationals and EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status holders under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This clarification follows the start of ETA enforcement on 25 February 2026.
While this offers some flexibility, the concession is narrow in scope. Travellers still need to ensure their documents clearly show their right to travel to the UK. Where this is not the case, there remains a real risk of being refused boarding.
In simple terms, having the right immigration status is no longer enough on its own, you also need to be able to prove it in the right way before you travel.
ETA concessions
The Home Office has indicated that, in limited circumstances, travellers may be able to board without standard British documentation:
- Some dual nationals with EUSS-linked status may be permitted to travel without a British passport where their status can be verified by the carrier.
- Airlines may, in limited cases, allow boarding where they are satisfied the traveller’s UK status can be verified.
Airlines operate under a “no permission, no travel” framework and face penalties for carrying passengers without valid permission.
These concessions are intended to address practical issues where individuals have lawful UK status but do not hold a current British passport. However, the concession depends on what the airline can confirm at the time of travel and is not guaranteed.
Standard travel requirement for British citizens
The core rule remains unchanged. British citizens are expected to prove their status before travelling to the UK. A valid British passport is the primary and most reliable document, or a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode can be used as an alternative.
These documents confirm that the traveller has an automatic right to enter the UK and does not require an ETA or other permission.
Impact on dual nationals and EUSS status holders
Dual nationals and EUSS status holders are more likely to encounter issues under the ETA system because of how their status is recorded and verified. Many dual nationals continue to travel using a non-British passport, while EUSS status is held digitally rather than in a physical document. This creates a practical difficulty at the point of departure, as airline systems do not always align fully with Home Office records or allow for quick verification.
Even where a concession may apply, the outcome will depend on whether the airline can confirm the traveller’s status with sufficient confidence at check-in. Where this cannot be done quickly, boarding may be refused.
Pre-travel preparation
The main risk now arises before departure rather than at the UK border. Airlines are responsible for checking immigration status before boarding, and if status cannot be verified quickly, boarding may be refused. As decisions are made at the airport with limited opportunity to resolve issues, travellers may be refused boarding even where they would ultimately be admitted into the UK.
Travellers should take proactive steps before departure to reduce the risk of disruption. The most reliable approach is to travel on a valid British passport wherever possible. If this is not available, a Certificate of Entitlement can provide clear evidence of the right to enter the UK.
It is also important to ensure that any status relied upon can be clearly demonstrated in a way that airline staff can verify at check-in. Relying on discretion or assuming that a concession will apply introduces unnecessary risk. Taking these steps in advance makes it more likely that status can be confirmed quickly and reduces the chance of being denied boarding.
Key takeaways
The ETA system places responsibility on the traveller to demonstrate the correct status before boarding. While limited concessions exist for some dual nationals and EUSS travellers, these are not a substitute for proper documentation.
If your documents do not clearly show your right to travel, you may not be allowed to board your flight to the UK.
