U.K. travel rules change affects dual Canadian citizens

Starting Wednesday, Canadians must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the U.K., and the U.K. government now says many dual Canadian–U.K. citizens are not eligible for an ETA and will generally need a British passport or other proof of right of abode.

Starting Wednesday, Canadian travellers are required to hold an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the U.K. The U.K. government announced on its website in recent weeks that some people who are considered dual citizens — for example, those born in the U.K. or with U.K. parents at the time of birth — will no longer be eligible for an ETA. Travel experts and affected families have reported that the change has created new administrative steps for those with dual nationality. What officials said: - The British government requires Canadians to obtain an ETA to enter the U.K. beginning this week, according to its announcement. - The government announced that many people deemed U.K. citizens (including some born in the U.K. or with U.K. parents) cannot use an ETA and are expected to travel on a British passport or show formal proof of right of abode. - The U.K. government noted a limited adjustment allowing airlines, at their discretion, to accept an expired British passport alongside a valid Canadian one in some cases. - Alternatives cited include applying for a British passport, applying for a certificate of entitlement to prove right of abode (a process described as weekslong and costing more than C$1,000), or renouncing U.K. citizenship; some applicants report delays or difficulties with identification requirements. Summary: The change shifts travel documentation requirements for many dual Canadian–U.K. citizens who do not already hold a British passport, and some families say the timing may affect planned trips. People now face application processes for British passports or other formal proof of status, and processing times and administrative hurdles vary.