In November 2025, the UK Government announced the enforcement of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026, which included information about the requirements for dual nationality citizens. This has inspired a number of questions from UK nationals resident in Belgium. At the BBCA AGM on 21 May members had the opportunity to put questions to HM Ambassador Anne Sherriff on this and other subjects. The article below gives advice on ETA, dual nationality and travel to/ from the UK from the Embassy and closes with a summary of relevant  parts of the Q&A session from 21 May.

British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. Dual British citizens are exempt from needing an ETA, but are expected to present either a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK. You can renew your British passport via: GOV.UK

This is a requirement for all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is similar to the approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Australia and Canada.

The UK Government recognises that this is a significant change for carriers and travellers, and have therefore provided additional temporary guidance to carriers on possible alternative documentation, including expired passports issued in 1989 or later and alongside a valid non-visa national third country passport where biographic details match. It is an operational decision (i.e. down to the carrier) whether carriers accept alternative proof, and if so, what alternative proof they will accept.

The UK is moving to a modernised ‘digital permission’ system where international carriers are required to confirm, through automated checks against Home Office records, that passengers have valid permission or status to travel to the UK. All carriers (e.g. airlines, maritime and rail) have now been equipped with the necessary tools to verify travel permission via automated digital checks with the Home Office.

It is strongly recommended that passengers should obtain a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement to ensure the smoothest travel experience.

Matching biographic details, maiden names etc

Given the advice above with respect to the use of a valid non-visa national third country passport where biographic details match, there have been questions about the use of maiden name or non-matching names in passports (see Q&A below too).

British nationals can seek support directly from His Majesty’s Passport Officer (HMPO) and/or consult public guidance on gov.uk for further information: Names: aligning names on foreign documents - GOV.UK

HMPO also has a telephone help line (+44 300 222 0000). Further details can be found on the gov.uk website: Passport advice and complaints - GOV.UK

Q&A session with the Ambassador from our AGM on 21 May 2026

Q: There is confusion at the borders of Dunkirk, Calais and Gare du Midi etc on which passport to use.

A: Travellers should use the same passport as they exited the country when they return, but always show your Belgian ID / residence card.

Q: Can a dual national travel to UK without a valid UK passport?

A: UK nationals exempt from ETA requirements must prove their status by having a UK passport or certificate of entitlement. The government recognizes flexibility is required during the change and the use of out-of-date passports (post 1989) can be accepted at the UK Customs border. However, be aware some carriers have their own rules.

Q: Can I travel to UK with an Irish passport?

A: UK has a special rule for free movement between UK and Ireland.

Q: What if passports have different names (maiden / married names)?

A: When applying for a UK passport you can request a remark to explain this difference.