Expats Renounce British Citizenship Ahead of New UK Passport Rules: What You Need to Know?

At-a-Glance Overview:

• Rule Start Date: 25 February 2026
• Required Documents: British passport or Certificate of Entitlement
• Renunciation Fee: Approx. £482
• Certificate of Entitlement Cost: Approx. £589
• British Passport (Standard UK Adult): From £94.50 (higher overseas)

The law on British nationality has not changed — but how your status is verified before travel has.

This 2026 update explains why expats renounce British citizenship, what the boarding rules mean for dual nationals, and how the long-term legal consequences extend beyond airport check-in.

Why Are Expats Renouncing British Citizenship Now?

The recent rise in cases where expats renounce British citizenship is not driven by a change in nationality law. Instead, it stems from changes to the UK’s pre-departure carrier verification system.

From 25 February 2026, airlines and other carriers must verify that dual British nationals hold the correct documentation before boarding. Previously, many dual citizens travelled to the UK on their non-British passport, with their British status recognised at the border. That will no longer be sufficient.

The key issues prompting renunciation include:

• The requirement to present a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement before boarding
• The inability to rely on an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as a British citizen
• The risk of being refused boarding despite holding British nationality
• The financial cost of maintaining passports for entire families
• Administrative difficulties in renewing long-expired British passports

A Home Office spokesperson confirmed:

“From February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK. Without one, carriers cannot verify they are a British citizen, which may lead to delays or refused boarding.”

For many dual nationals, the shift of compliance checks from the UK border to the departure gate has created anxiety and confusion.

Although you cannot legally be refused entry to the UK as a British citizen, you may now be prevented from boarding if documentation cannot be verified electronically.

What Exactly Changes on 25 February 2026?

The new system shifts compliance checks from the UK border to the departure gate. While you cannot be refused entry at the border if you are British, you may never reach that point if boarding is denied.

Under the new framework:

• Carriers must confirm that dual British nationals hold either a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement.
• Travelling on a non-British passport alone will no longer be sufficient.
• Airline systems will rely on electronic prompts rather than on-arrival status checks.

The right of abode has not been withdrawn. However, the point at which proof is required has moved.

Documentation Requirements at a Glance

Situation	Before 25 Feb 2026	From 25 Feb 2026
A dual national travelling with a foreign passport	Usually allowed; status confirmed at the UK border	May be refused boarding without British passport or Certificate of Entitlement
British citizen with expired passport	Could sometimes travel on foreign passport	Must renew passport or obtain Certificate of Entitlement
British citizen using ETA	Not applicable	Not permitted – ETA unavailable to British citizens

For many families abroad, the practical burden of retaining dual nationality has increased.

Who Is Affected by the New Passport Rules?

The impact is broad, particularly among long-term expats who allowed British passports to lapse years ago.

You may be affected if:

• You hold dual British nationality and live overseas
• Your British passport has expired
• Your children qualify for British citizenship but do not hold passports
• You rely on a foreign passport for international travel
• You intend to visit family in the UK after February 2026

Irish passport holders remain exempt under the Common Travel Area arrangements. However, most other dual nationals are subject to the new verification system.

Estimates suggest around 1.2 million dual British citizens worldwide could be impacted.

For families, costs multiply quickly. Renewing multiple passports can represent a significant financial burden, particularly where British nationality is retained primarily as a contingency.

Do You Need to Renounce British Citizenship to Travel?

No. Renunciation is not required to comply with the new travel rules. In most cases, the simplest solution is renewing your British passport.

Your options are:

1. Renew or apply for a valid British passport
2. Apply for a Certificate of Entitlement
3. Formally renounce British citizenship

The first two preserve your Right of Abode. The third removes it permanently (subject to limited resumption rights).

Some expats renounce British citizenship because they find the administrative process overwhelming. One dual national living in New Zealand remarked:

“The process of renouncing is simpler and cleaner than applying for a passport. I can visit Britain on the same basis as any Kiwi.”

While understandable emotionally, this approach carries consequences far beyond travel documentation.

What Happens If You Renounce British Citizenship?

Renunciation is a formal legal act governed by the British Nationality Act 1981. It is not symbolic. Once registered by the Home Office, you cease to be British in law.

The consequences include:

• Loss of the Right of Abode in the UK
• Loss of automatic permission to live and work in the UK
• Requirement to apply under immigration routes for future stays
• Potential need for a visa or ETA, depending on your other nationality
• Loss of entitlement to hold a British passport
• Inability to automatically pass British citizenship to future children born abroad

The difference between retaining citizenship and renouncing it can be summarised clearly:

Status	Right of Abode	UK Immigration Control	British Passport	Citizenship for Future Children
Retain British citizenship	Yes	No	Yes	May pass automatically
Renounce citizenship	No	Yes	No	Not automatic

Resumption of citizenship is possible in limited cases but is not automatic and remains discretionary. Renunciation may seem like a practical workaround, but legally it is a fundamental change of status.

How Do You Renounce British Citizenship?

If you decide to proceed, the process involves a formal declaration to the Home Office and payment of a registration fee (currently £482).

Eligibility Criteria

• You must already hold another nationality, or be about to obtain one.
• You must generally be 18 or over.
• You must be of sound mind.
• The Home Office will not approve renunciation if it would leave you stateless.

Application Process Overview

Applications are typically made online. If accepted, you receive a Declaration of Renunciation, confirming the effective date your citizenship ends.

If you are renouncing in order to obtain another nationality, you usually have six months from receiving the declaration to complete that process. Otherwise, the renunciation may lapse.

You may be required to:

• Submit identity documents
• Provide evidence of your other nationality
• Attend a biometric appointment (if applying in the UK)

You must not travel outside certain jurisdictions while your application is pending if applying within the UK.

The registration fee is currently £482 and is non-refundable if refused.

Cost Comparison: Passport vs Certificate vs Renunciation

Financial considerations are a major factor in why expats renounce British citizenship. Below is a general comparison:

Option	Approximate Cost	Preserves Right of Abode?	Ongoing Renewal Required?
British passport (standard adult UK application)	~£94.50 (higher overseas)	Yes	Yes
Certificate of Entitlement	~£589	Yes	No passport renewal, but certificate costs apply
Renunciation	~£482	No	No

While renunciation may appear cost-effective in the short term, it removes rights permanently.

For families with several children, passport renewals can exceed £900 or more. However, that expense preserves future mobility and employment options.

Why Renunciation Appears Attractive to Some Expats?

The appeal of renouncing citizenship often centres on simplicity. If you are no longer British, carrier systems treat you solely as a foreign national. You travel under standard visa or ETA frameworks. But this simplicity comes at a cost.

Another dual national expressed frustration:

“I was flabbergasted not only by the new rule but the fact it was to be enforced so soon. If I had known, I would have renewed my passport much earlier.”

Communication gaps have fuelled anxiety. Embassies and consulates report surges in enquiries, with some expats learning about changes through media coverage rather than direct notification.

The Home Office maintains that the reform is part of digital border modernisation efforts, stating:

“This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries.”

Common Mistakes Expats Are Making

Many dual nationals misunderstand the scope of the change. Key misconceptions include:

• Believing that nationality law has changed. It has not.
• Assuming border officers can override boarding decisions. They cannot if you never reach the UK.
• Thinking a foreign declaration automatically cancels British nationality. It does not unless formally registered with the Home Office.
• Attempting workaround routes via Ireland without understanding Common Travel Area implications.

The enforcement shift is procedural, not legislative, but its effects are tangible.

Should You Renounce or Renew?

Before deciding whether to renounce British citizenship or renew your passport, it is important to consider your long-term plans rather than short-term frustration.

Ask yourself:

• Do you or your children intend to live or work in the UK in the future?
• Would you regret losing automatic entry rights and employment flexibility?
• Is the cost of renewal manageable compared to permanently surrendering your Right of Abode?
• Are you making this decision based on careful planning, or reacting to administrative inconvenience?

For most expats, renewing a British passport remains the safest and most flexible option. It preserves mobility, employment rights and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations.

Renunciation may be appropriate in limited circumstances, for example, where another country requires exclusive nationality or where you have permanently settled abroad with no intention of returning. However, it should never be treated as a quick fix for travel compliance issues.

Conclusion

The increase in cases where expats renounce British citizenship reflects confusion and frustration rather than a change in British nationality law.

From 25 February 2026, you must present a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling as a dual national. That requirement may feel burdensome. However, renunciation carries permanent legal consequences that extend far beyond airport check-in.

Before you make a decision, weigh short-term convenience against lifelong rights. Travel rules may evolve. Citizenship status is far harder to restore.

FAQs

Can you be refused entry to the UK if you are still a British citizen?

No. A British citizen cannot legally be refused entry. However, you may be refused boarding without correct documentation.

Can you use an ETA instead of a British passport?

No. British citizens are excluded from the ETA system.

Is renouncing British citizenship permanent?

It is legally effective once registered. Resumption is possible in limited cases but not guaranteed.

Does renouncing affect your children?

It does not change existing children’s status automatically, but it may affect future children born abroad.

How long does the renunciation process take?

Processing times vary, but applications require review, documentation checks and sometimes biometrics.

Can you travel while your renunciation is pending?

If applying from the UK, you must not travel outside specified areas until a decision is made.

Is the Certificate of Entitlement a better option than renouncing?

For many dual nationals, yes. It preserves the Right of Abode without requiring a passport renewal.

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@graph”: [
{
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can you be refused entry to the UK if you are still a British citizen?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “No. A British citizen cannot legally be refused entry. However, you may be refused boarding without correct documentation.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can you use an ETA instead of a British passport?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “No. British citizens are excluded from the ETA system.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Is renouncing British citizenship permanent?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “It is legally effective once registered. Resumption is possible in limited cases but not guaranteed.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Does renouncing affect your children?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “It does not change existing children’s status automatically, but it may affect future children born abroad.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How long does the renunciation process take?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Processing times vary, but applications require review, documentation checks and sometimes biometrics.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can you travel while your renunciation is pending?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “If applying from the UK, you must not travel outside specified areas until a decision is made.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Is the Certificate of Entitlement a better option than renouncing?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “For many dual nationals, yes. It preserves the Right of Abode without requiring a passport renewal.”
}
}
]
},
{
“@type”: “BlogPosting”,
“mainEntityOfPage”: {
“@type”: “WebPage”,
“@id”: “https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/expats-renounce-british-citizenship/”
},
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Jennifer ”
},
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Preston Blog “,
“logo”: {
“@type”: “ImageObject”,
“url”: “https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Preston-Blog-Logo.png”
}
},
“headline”: “Expats Renounce British Citizenship Ahead of New UK Passport Rules: What You Need to Know?”,
“image”: “https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Expats-Renounce-British-Citizenship-Ahead-of-New-UK-Passport-Rules.webp”,
“datePublished”: “2026-02-18”,
“dateModified”: “2026-02-18”
}
]
}