If you hold both Canadian and British citizenship and are planning to travel to the United Kingdom, there is an important change to entry requirements you need to know before you travel.
What Has Changed
Effective 25 February 2026, dual Canadian-British citizens can no longer enter the UK using only a Canadian passport. You must present a valid British (or Irish) passport when you check in for your flight.
Why This Has Changed
The UK government has introduced a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors, including Canadians. However, British citizens are not eligible to apply for an ETA, they must travel on British documents. Airlines are required to verify this before departure, meaning a Canadian passport alone will no longer be accepted as proof of permission to board.
What You Need To Do
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Check whether you hold British citizenship. You may be a British citizen automatically if you were born in the UK, or if a parent holds British citizenship, even if you have never held a British passport. Check your status here: www.gov.uk/check-british-citizenship
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If you have a valid British passport, use it when travelling to the UK. Do not apply for an ETA.
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If your British passport has expired, contact your airline before travelling. Some carriers may accept an expired UK passport (issued 1989 or later) alongside your valid Canadian passport, but this is at the carrier’s discretion. Renewing your British passport is the safest option.
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If you have never held a British passport, apply for one as soon as possible at www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport. You can also apply for a Certificate of Entitlement, which is added to your Canadian passport.
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If you also hold Irish citizenship, you can travel on your Irish passport, no ETA or British passport required.
Need Help?
If you have an upcoming trip to the UK booked through Target Tours and are unsure whether this affects you, please contact us and we will help you confirm your documentation before you travel.
This notice is based on official guidance from the UK Home Office. Full details: www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-guide-for-dual-citizens.
