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: British and Irish citizens are not eligible to apply for an ETA because they are not considered foreign visitors. 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?
- 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
- Your British passport has expired and you have been travelling on your Canadian passport instead
What documents are accepted to enter the UK?
| Document | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid British passport | Yes | Primary recommended document |
| Valid Irish passport | Yes | Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement |
| Foreign passport + Certificate of Entitlement | Yes | Costs £589 and takes several weeks to obtain |
| Canadian passport alone (dual citizen) | No | No longer accepted from Feb 25, 2026 |
| ETA on a Canadian passport (dual citizen) | No | British dual nationals are ineligible to apply for an ETA |
How to renew your British passport from Canada
Renewing a British passport from overseas costs approximately £100 (roughly CAD $185) for an adult, plus secure tracked postage. Processing typically takes 6 to 10 weeks from Canada — the UK government strongly recommends not booking travel until your new passport has been received.
- Visit gov.uk/overseas-passports to begin your online application
- Complete the online form and pay the fee
- Send your expired British passport (and birth certificate if requested) by secure tracked post to the UK Passport Office
- Wait for your new passport to be returned by post — allow 6 to 10 weeks from Canada
Carrying two passports: what you need to know
- 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
How Passport Photo Toronto can help
A British passport renewal requires two compliant photos: 35mm × 45mm, plain white or off-white background, neutral expression with mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no glasses, taken within the last month. At Passport Photo Toronto we produce UK passport photos that meet all HM Passport Office specifications, plus a digital file for online applications. Walk-ins are welcome at 63 McCaul St.