New British passport rule from Wednesday with £589 cost | UK | News | EUROtoday

A brand new British passport rule is about to return into pressure from Wednesday together with an eyewatering £589 cost.

Starting on February 25, British residents who’re additionally residents of one other nation might want to adjust to new passport guidelines when coming into the UK as a part of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.

It signifies that anybody with twin British citizenship, together with youngsters, should current a British passport at Border Control or one other legitimate passport which accommodates a certificates of entitlement. Previously, twin nationals might use a overseas passport as an alternative.

Without them, individuals could possibly be denied entry into the UK. Confusingly, neither British passports nor certificates of entitlement are issued by default to individuals who get hold of British citizenship, which suggests some twin nationals have by no means utilized for them, even when they’ve lived within the UK for many years.

Both paperwork take a number of weeks to get and include important prices. A British passport is £94.50 for an grownup and the certificates of entitlement prices a dizzying £589.

The new guidelines is not going to apply to Irish passport holders however different EU residents can be affected.

However, reviews recommend some airways might permit expired British passports to bypass the rule at their very own discretion, so some travellers might be able to get across the £589 cost.

A Home Office spokesperson, reported by The National, mentioned: “We recognise that this is a significant change for carriers and travellers, but we have been clear on requirements for dual British citizens to travel with a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement, in line with those for all British citizens.

“At their own discretion, carriers can accept an expired British passport as alternative documentation. Separately, individuals who have previously had a British passport can apply for an emergency travel document if they urgently need to enter the UK.”

Another change being brought in with the ETA system include new £16 charges for visitors to the UK who do not have a visa.

Ashley Stothard, immigration lawyer at nationwide legislation agency Freeths, mentioned: “As a dual national myself, I truly feel for those impacted by the upcoming ETA changes. The hardship reported in the news is entirely avoidable and, frankly, should never have arisen. The UK should have ensured that the public were properly informed about how these changes would affect British citizens, particularly the many dual nationals who routinely travel on their other passport.

“The ETA was introduced last year but not strictly enforced, and until very recently the platform did allow British citizens to apply using their foreign passports. The fact that this option has quietly disappeared without clear public communication has only added to the confusion and distress people are now experiencing.

“A practical and proportionate solution would be to reinstate this functionality, at least temporarily, until the government properly and efficiently informs the public of how the ETA system impacts dual nationals. Doing so would prevent unnecessary disruption while still supporting the aims of the UK’s broader border transformation programme.”