Many travellers who are British citizens and nationals of another country have been thrown into confusion and anxiety over complex new rules for travel to the UK.
Passengers can no longer use their foreign passport with an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for visits to the UK.
The Home Office says British people who are citizens of a second country must travel to the UK using either a valid British or Irish passport, or a valid passport from any other country that has a “certificate of entitlement” – a digital verification that the holder has the right of abode in the UK.
But many people who are British citizens by birth or descent are concerned that imminent trips may be impossible. Obtaining either official document will take weeks. A passport will cost £94.50 and the certificate of entitlement £589.
At the 11th hour, the Home Office said that airlines could accept, at their discretion, an expired British passport issued at any time since 1989 along with a valid foreign passport.
Crucially, the biographic details – full name, date and place of birth – must match exactly. This will prove a problem for someone whose name has changed since the now-expired UK passport was issued.
Having the expired British-plus-valid foreign passport combination does not guarantee the holder will be allowed to travel
The Home Office stresses: “It is an operational decision whether carriers accept alternative proof, and if so, what alternative proof they will accept.”
In other words, airlines have the discretion to decide whether or not to allow the two-passport combination.
The Independent has been seeking urgent confirmation from leading carriers as to whether they will accept the combo if it meets the requirements: an expired document issued no earlier than 1989, and matching the biographical data on the valid passport.
These airlines have confirmed that they will allow travel:
- British Airways
- easyJet
- Lufthansa
- Singapore Airlines
- United
- Virgin Atlantic
Qantas is reported in the Australian media to be accepting expired UK passports. Air New Zealand is reportedly not accepting the current/expired passport combo. But since the carrier no longer flies to the UK, partner airlines may accommodate travellers.
Passengers flying with other carriers can check directly with the airline. In turn, ground staff can contact the Home Office Carrier Support Hub (CSH).
A Wizz Air spokesperson said: “As directed by the Home Office, we will consider each passenger on a case-by-case basis and if needed would contact Carrier Support Hub to establish the passengers’ circumstances and which combination of documents they are presenting.”
The Independent is waiting to hear from other airlines, but the evidence so far is that a large majority will accept the expired passport.
The government says the new rules constitute “a more streamlined, digital immigration system” that it claims “will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year”.
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