How to enter the UK after becoming a British citizen with another nationality

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Check the new entry arrangements after citizenship

Acquiring British citizenship changes the basis for entry. An ordinary resident eVisa, BRP and citizenship certificate are not the standard return documents for a British citizen. Form AN guidance ↗ explains the post-naturalisation transition; do not plan solely around your previous visa experience.

The standard dual-national route uses a valid UK passport, Irish passport or certificate of entitlement, as listed in GOV.UK's dual citizenship guidance ↗. Holding another foreign passport does not remove British citizenship or turn you into an ordinary foreign visitor.

Do not buy an ETA instead of the required document

British and Irish dual citizens cannot obtain an ETA. Do not omit a nationality from an application to make the system issue authorisation. For the ordinary return route, obtain a suitable passport or consider an official certificate of entitlement.

Check which document is required for leaving and entering your other country of nationality. Other countries may require their own national passport. Use the agreed document details in bookings and passenger information, and establish your carrier's procedure beforehand if two passports are needed.

Check the limited exceptions

GOV.UK ↗ describes a carrier-discretion option involving an expired UK passport issued in 1989 or later together with a valid passport of a nationality eligible for an ETA; personal details must match. This does not guarantee boarding or universally replace renewing a passport. It does not apply if you have never held a British passport.

A separate exception covers certain people who acquired citizenship after settlement under the EU Settlement Scheme and retain the relevant rights. Current AN guidance ↗ describes travel with a valid foreign passport or, for EEA/Swiss nationals, a national identity card, linked to the relevant UKVI account. Establish that the exception genuinely applies to your status and that the record and document are up to date.

Plan the first passport and return journey

Before the ceremony, consider first-passport processing and any planned travel. A citizenship certificate alone is not a travel document. HM Passport Office ↗ recommends not booking travel until the passport arrives, and application originals may temporarily be held by the department.

If a passport is lost overseas, check the official emergency travel document procedure; eligibility depends partly on whether you previously held a British passport. For an unusual document combination, obtain carrier confirmation before going to the airport and retain the current guidance link. Do not rely on somebody else's successful boarding on a similar journey.