If you’re an Australian who also holds British or Irish citizenship – or think you might – there’s an important change coming that could affect how you travel to the UK or Ireland.

From early 2026, you won’t be able to enter either country using your Australian passport. Instead, you’ll need to travel on your British or Irish passport, apply for special permission to use your Australian one, or make a bigger legal decision about your citizenship status.

It sounds complicated, but we’ve taken you through the basics worth understanding before your next Euro trip.

 

What’s changed?

UK and Irish dual citizens of Australia will no longer be able to enter the UK or Ireland using a passport from a different country (like an Australian passport). To enter the UK or Ireland, you will now need to use a valid UK or Irish passport, or another valid passport that contains a certificate of entitlement (COE).

 

When do the changes come into effect?

From Wednesday 25 February 2026.

 

What do dual citizens need to do?

Dual citizens will have to choose whether to:

ensure they have an up-to-date British or Irish passport (or pay to renew theirs)
pay for a certificate of entitlement (COE) on their Australian Passport
renounce their British or Irish citizenship.

 

Can I still have dual Australian and British/Irish citizenship?

Yes. You can still be a dual citizen, but you will now need to enter the UK or Ireland exclusively on your British or Irish passport (or with a COE in your Australian passport).

 

I’m a British or Irish citizen. Can I still enter the UK or Ireland on an Australian passport?

Only if you apply and pay for a certificate of entitlement (COE) in your Australian passport.

 

What is a certificate of entitlement (COE) and how can I get one?

A COE is a document placed in your passport to prove that you have the right to stay in the UK. It allows you to live and work there without immigration restrictions or a time limit. When you renew your Australian passport, you will need to renew your COE as well.

You can apply for a COE online via UK Government website, submit documents to UK Visas and Immigration, and pay fees (approx. $1,000+ AUD).

 

Are you automatically a British or Irish citizen if your parents are?

Yes. If your parent was a British or Irish citizen when you were born, you are likely a de facto citizen yourself.

British and Irish citizenship are normally automatically passed down one generation to children born outside the UK.

 

How do I check if I’m a British or Irish citizen?

You can check your eligibility if you have a British parent for British citizenship online.

If you were born outside of Ireland, you are automatically an Irish citizen by birth if either one of your parents was born in Ireland.

 

How can I get a new UK passport in Australia?

You can apply for a UK passport online on the UK government website.

 

How do I renounce my UK citizenship?

You can opt to renounce your UK citizenship by applying via the UK government website. The process can take up to six months.

 

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