Ryanair has announced that British dual nationals in Europe may be allowed to board its flights to the UK even without a current British passport once new immigration rules take effect next week. This clarification follows a call from Abta, the UK’s travel trade association, for the government to implement a grace period during which dual nationals could use alternative proof of British citizenship to return home.
Luke Petherbridge, Abta’s director of public affairs, stated, “While the government advises UK citizens to obtain a passport or certificate of entitlement for travel after February 25, there clearly needs to be a period where airlines allow boarding with alternative proof.”
The new Home Office rules, which require dual nationals to present a British passport rather than another country’s passport when traveling to the UK, have caused growing concern. Many dual nationals only recently learned of this change, having previously traveled for decades using their other passport. The government’s alternative, a “certificate of entitlement,” costs £589 per person and takes weeks to obtain, potentially adding up to nearly £2,400 for a family of four.
This development will come as a relief to many Britons living in Europe who were alarmed by the new requirements, part of border streamlining measures effective February 25. Many dual nationals have expressed frustration over the rule change and the Home Office’s handling of the situation.
While other foreign nationals can enter the UK with a £16 “electronic travel authorisation” (ETA), dual nationals are not eligible for this option.
When asked if it would accept passengers with foreign passports but no ETA if they could provide other proof of British nationality, Ryanair confirmed it would allow boarding for those who can demonstrate they are British, Irish, or have another UK status—including those with old indefinite leave to remain stamps. Acceptable proof includes a valid or expired British passport or a certificate of entitlement.
From February 25, airlines must check that passengers from non-visa countries eligible for an ETA have one. If they do not, airlines are required to examine any other document that might permit entry to the UK. Ryanair added that if a dual national claims to be British without a British passport, the airline will contact the UK government’s carrier support hub for verification.
Petherbridge noted “considerable confusion and uncertainty around the new rules,” especially for those traveling in the coming weeks. Many dual nationals have complained about insufficient notice to renew expired British passports or obtain documents for children born abroad.
Airlines face fines for carrying passengers without the right to enter the UK, and the Home Office has stated that passengers may be denied boarding without a passport or certificate of entitlement—a digital stamp costing £589 that can be linked to a foreign passport.
The Home Office said, “From February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens must present either a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement when traveling to the UK. Without one, carriers cannot verify British citizenship, which may lead to delays or refused boarding.”
A House of Commons briefing…A government paper from January on the rule changes states that while British citizens cannot be refused entry to the UK, they must still prove their right to enter. It explains: “All British citizens have the right of abode in the UK, meaning they are entitled to live and work here without immigration restrictions. This exempts them from immigration control. They do not need an immigration officer’s permission to enter, but they must be able to demonstrate their right of abode.”
One man in Canada, who wrote to the Guardian, said he moved his flight forward to 23 February to ensure he could enter the UK. He wanted to visit his brother, who was dying from a brain tumour. “I didn’t want to miss his birthday on 12 March. It is completely absurd that dual nationals like me should be considered ineligible to enter the UK as tourists without an Electronic Travel Authorisation. I suppose you need a peculiar Whitehall mentality to think a British citizen must enter the UK only as a British citizen and nothing less,” said James (a pseudonym).
The Home Office has been asked for comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of clear and concise FAQs about Ryanairs policy for dual nationals using an expired British passport for UK flights
Beginner Core Policy Questions
1 What is this policy about
This is a specific rule that allows some dual nationals to use an expired British passport to board a Ryanair flight to the UK provided they also have a valid Irish passport
2 Does Ryanair really let me fly with an expired British passport
Yes but only under very strict conditions You must be a dual BritishIrish national flying into the UK and you must present both your expired British passport and your valid Irish passport together at checkin and boarding
3 Im flying from the UK Can I use an expired passport
No This policy only applies for flights traveling to the United Kingdom You must have a valid passport to exit the UK
4 Am I eligible What are the exact rules
You are eligible if you meet all of the following
You hold both British and Irish citizenship
You are flying on a Ryanair flight directly to the UK
You can present both passports together your expired British passport and your valid indate Irish passport
Advanced Practical Application Questions
5 Why does this rule exist
Its based on a UK government provision that allows British citizens to enter the UK using any proof of citizenship and identity An expired British passport is still proof of citizenship Ryanair accepts it when paired with a valid Irish passport which acts as your valid travel document for the airline
6 What are the biggest risks or common problems with this
Airline Staff Confusion Not all checkin or gate agents may be familiar with this niche policy Be prepared to politely ask for a supervisor
NonRyanair Flights Other airlines may not accept this Always check your specific airlines rules
Connecting Flights It is highly risky for journeys with a connection outside the UKCommon Travel Area The transit country will require a valid passport
