British-Canadian Dual Citizens Must Now Use a UK Passport to Enter the United Kingdom

A significant change to UK border entry rules took effect on February 25, 2026, catching many British-Canadian dual citizens off guard. Under the updated enforcement framework tied to the UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, anyone who holds British or Irish citizenship is now required to present a valid British or Irish passport when travelling to the United Kingdom. A Canadian passport alone will no longer be accepted.

This change has caused considerable disruption for the estimated 460,000+ Canadian residents born in the United Kingdom, many of whom had allowed their British passports to expire and had been travelling on their Canadian documents for years without issue.

What Is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and Why Does It Matter?

The UK's ETA system is a digital pre-screening programme that requires visitors from visa-exempt countries — including Canada — to obtain a £16 electronic travel authorisation before travelling to the UK. The ETA is linked to the traveller's passport and is checked by airlines at the point of departure.

The critical issue for dual citizens is this: British and Irish citizens are not eligible to apply for an ETA because they are not considered foreign visitors. However, if a dual citizen attempts to travel on their Canadian passport, airline systems may flag them as a British national — and without a British passport, they could be refused boarding.

Who Is Affected?

This rule applies to all British dual nationals regardless of where they currently reside. You may be affected if:

• You were born in the United Kingdom and later became a Canadian citizen
• You were born in Canada to one or more British parents and automatically acquired British citizenship at birth
• You became a British citizen through naturalisation, marriage, or registration at any point in your life
• You hold a British passport that has expired and have been travelling on your Canadian passport instead

According to Statistics Canada, more than 460,000 Canadian residents were born in the UK, and a significant additional number hold British citizenship through descent. Many of these individuals may be unaware they are considered British nationals under UK law.

What Documents Are Accepted to Enter the UK?

How to Renew Your British Passport from Canada

If your British passport has expired, you will need to renew it before travelling to the UK. Here is what to expect:

Cost

Renewing a British passport from overseas costs approximately £100 (roughly CAD $185) for an adult passport. Additional costs apply for sending documents by secure post, which is required when mailing your existing passport and potentially your birth certificate.

Processing Time

The UK government states that passport renewals from outside the UK typically take 6 to 10 weeks. This timeline can extend further if additional documents are requested. The government strongly recommends that you do not book travel until your new passport has been received.

How to Apply

1. Visit gov.uk/overseas-passports to begin your online application
2. Complete the online form and pay the fee
3. Send your expired British passport (and birth certificate if requested) by secure tracked post to the UK Passport Office
4. Wait for your new passport to be returned by post — allow 6 to 10 weeks from Canada

What Is the Certificate of Entitlement?

The Certificate of Entitlement is an alternative to a British passport for dual nationals who hold the right of abode in the UK. It is a vignette sticker placed in your foreign (e.g., Canadian) passport that confirms your right to enter and live in the UK without immigration restrictions.

However, it is significantly more expensive than a passport renewal — costing £589 (approximately CAD $1,100) — and also takes several weeks to process. For most dual citizens, renewing a British passport is the more practical and cost-effective option.

What About Canadians Transiting Through Heathrow?

The new rules also affect British dual nationals who are transiting through UK airports (such as Heathrow or Gatwick) en route to another destination. Even if the UK is not your final destination, you will need to comply with the entry documentation requirements if you pass through UK border control. Airlines are responsible for verifying documentation before departure, so the check occurs at the point of boarding in Canada.

What Should You Do Right Now?

Carrying Two Passports: What You Need to Know

British-Canadian dual citizens will now need to carry both passports when travelling between Canada and the UK:

• British passport: Required to board your flight to the UK and to enter the UK at the border
• Canadian passport: Required to re-enter Canada by air (Canada requires its citizens to use a Canadian passport to return to Canada)

This is a standard practice in countries like the United States and Australia that have long required their citizens to travel on their own country's passport.

How Passport Photo Toronto Can Help

If you need to renew your British passport from Canada, you will need to provide two compliant British passport photos with your application. British passport photos must meet specific HM Passport Office requirements:

• 35mm × 45mm printed size
• Plain white or off-white background
• Neutral expression, mouth closed
• Eyes open and clearly visible
• No glasses
• Taken within the last month
• High-quality print with no pixelation or damage

At Passport Photo Toronto, we produce UK passport photos that meet all HM Passport Office specifications. We also provide a digital file for online applications. Walk-ins are welcome at our downtown Toronto studio at 63 McCaul St, or contact us to confirm availability.