Why British binationals may want to make sure they have a UK passport
Border rules are set to become tougher in 2026. UK and Irish nationals living in France impacted
British and Irish binationals in France are advised to secure a UK passport before 2026 due to upcoming border rule changes
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British and Irish binationals who live in France are being advised to make sure they have a valid UK/Irish passport, with tougher UK entry rules due to begin next year.
This applies to, for example, people who have British (or Irish) and French nationality, and who may have let their UK / Irish passport validity lapse, or in some cases – such as some young people in British families – never have had one at all.
Since January, citizens of all countries (other than Ireland) that do not need full visitor visas to enter the UK need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
This is an online pre-approval to visit the UK, which costs £16.
Applicants must do this in advance of travel and wait for notification of approval, after which the authorisation is automatically linked to their biometric passports. The EU is set to introduce a similar scheme, called Etias, probably from October 2026.
UK (or Irish) nationals should show their UK (or Irish) passport to transport operators at check in, to show they are exempt from ETA, or otherwise it is possible to obtain a ‘certificate of entitlement’ to live in the UK, a costly procedure unlikely to be of any benefit to those who can qualify for a passport.
The UK government says (the latter benefit from free movement to the UK) are eligible for an ETA. Any attempts to register for one by dual nationals are therefore liable to cause confusion.
In the meantime, the UK is operating transition period arrangements, meaning that dual nationals should still be able to travel without an ETA or a valid UK/Irish passport or certificate.
The Home Office states that at present rules are not being strictly enforced so such nationals should still be able to visit and leave the UK with their other passport (eg. French), until full enforcement in the course of 2026. Carrying some evidence of UK (or Irish) citizenship, such as an expired passport or a birth certificate, is, however, advised.
Since the exact date of this ‘full enforcement’ has not yet been announced, it would be best for anyone entitled to a UK/Irish passport but currently lacking one, and liable to want to visit the UK next year, to apply as soon as possible.
for more information on applying for a British passport.
A standard UK passport for French residents is £108 for an adult, or £70 for a child, plus a £19.86 courier fee.
