New border controls require British dual citizens to present a UK passport for flights, ferries or trains into Britain from February 25
The new passport rules could see British children born abroad denied entry to the UK unless their parents fork out a fortune(Image: PA)
Fresh border controls will mandate that dual nationals present a passport for air, sea or rail journeys into Britain, or purchase a “certificate of entitlement” costing £589. Brits will be prohibited from utilising an Electronic Travel Authorisation as an alternative travel document.
A British passport currently costs around £95 for a standard online UK adult application, with increased charges abroad.
The revised passport requirements could result in British youngsters born overseas being refused entry to the UK unless their parents pay substantial sums, triggering criticism from Brits living abroad. The regulations will take effect as soon as February 25.
The Home Office stated the measure formed part of a programme to introduce a “seamless travel experience”, affording the Government “greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration”.
Reports indicate some expats have surrendered their British citizenship in reaction to the alterations. This stems from certain individuals finding themselves in a legal predicament should their second nation require them to confirm they have abandoned their previous citizenship, reports the Express.
A declaration made internationally does not, under UK law, revoke British nationality. However, if British nationality is detected during the passenger verification, a dual national travelling solely on a foreign passport may face boarding refusal unless they can demonstrate their status with a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement.
Certain individuals holding citizenship in multiple countries are now contemplating official renunciation through the British Nationality Act 1981 to ensure their legal standing is consistent between nations and prevent recurring administrative complications upon exit.
This development emerges as the overall figure for small boat arrivals reaching Britain during Sir Keir Starmer’s tenure exceeded 66,000. Greater numbers of migrants have landed throughout Starmer’s period at Number 10 than under any previous prime minister, surpassing the earlier peak of 65,811 recorded during Boris Johnson’s administration.
The figure under Sir Keir has been achieved in merely 19 months, in contrast to the three years it took under Mr Johnson.