A highly controversial new United Kingdom border regime set to take effect on February 25, 2026 has drawn sharp criticism from rights activists, legal experts and campaign groups, who say it discriminates against women and dual nationals living abroad. The policy, introduced by the Home Office, requires all dual British nationals to enter the UK on a British passport or to obtain an expensive “certificate of entitlement” costing nearly £589 attached to their other passport, triggering widespread uproar and claims of unfair treatment.
According to the rules, dual nationals who attempt to travel to Britain using only their non-British passport, even if they hold valid citizenship, may be refused boarding by airlines, ferries or international trains if they cannot present a British passport or the pricey certificate of entitlement. Critics have called the policy a “tourist denial machine” that effectively treats British citizens like foreign visitors unless they hold specific documentation. The Home Office has defended the change as part of broader border digitisation efforts aimed at enhancing security and streamlining entry processes, but campaigners insist the poor communication and logistical burden on affected travellers has exacerbated confusion and caused unnecessary distress.
