United Kingdom Makes Things Difficult For Canadian & Other Dual Citizenship Holders

For Canadians and Australians flying to the United Kingdom in the past, it was enviably easy; however, things changed recently, and the days of easy-breezy travel there came crashing down. New regulations became something of a nightmare for unprepared travelers. Read on for more details.

New Regulations In The UK

New regulations probably took loads of people by surprise, and visiting the little island nation leaves some folks perplexed and others steaming. Actually, it’s all a bit of a nightmare, so if you plan a trip to London and you are Canadian or Australian, maybe check your travel documents, and then do it again!

Actually, if you have dual citizenship in the UK and you live anywhere in the world, check it out as well. New rules turn what used to be a routine hop across the pond, into a logistical nightmare. Actually, that leaves many folks wondering if they’ll even be allowed to board their flights.

The End Of Easy Entry

Certainly, it seems that the UK government gets serious about people strolling into their territory in 2026: presumably by official transportation, and not in a packed little rubber  boat from North Africa.

According to a recent report by CTV News on YouTube, a new requirement arrived, and it’s about Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Well, that seems easy, right? Everything’s digital these days. But, even if something’s been around for a while, until now, it never affected Canadians. And the sudden change for them means that simply holding a Canadian passport isn’t a free pass to Paradise.

The new travel requirement kicks in this week, and as it is the end of the week, sorry you were not informed sooner!

A Dual Citizen Dilemma

Dual citizenship is fantastic, right? The best of both worlds awaits those who want to easily access Canada and the United Kingdom. Well, nope, it’s not so wonderful anymore. Here’s the bottom line: If you were born in the UK or have British parents, you’re  now in a very tight spot if you have dual citizenship associated with a Canadian passport.

On a side note, it’s interesting to note that other countries seem to already take the same line. For example, a South African citizens with dual citizenship elsewhere, MUST fly in and out of the country on a South African passport.

For Canadians, the updated guidance notes that these individuals are “no longer eligible to obtain a UK ETA.” Instead, they must present a British passport at entry points. Obviously, that creates an immediate headache for the estimated 460,000 Canadian residents born in the United Kingdom. In fact, lots of them never held a British passport.

Confusion At The Gate

The whole thing brings chaos and confusion, and the rollout seemed ill-timed and badly approached. One day, the rules say one thing, then the rules arrive as a “temporary guidance.” Of course, one might think that gave airlines some leeway when it comes to “discretion.” But in reality, it’s messy.

Essentially, it means that when you arrive at the airport, you’ll discover the mystery factor. Will you end up flying to the United Kingdom for business or for a fun vacation to check out the crumbling monarchy? Or will your destination be back in the parking lot?

Want to avoid the parking lot and the lottery-draw tension? Well, you could renounce your UK citizenship. However, that task isn’t gonna happen overnight, and it costs money. Alternatively, you might be able to apply for a certificate of entitlement. If you go that way, then dig deep into your purse because it will set you back in the region of about “$1,000 Canadian.” Or more. You might have to pay in British pounds.

Beyond the Airport Terminal

Unfortunately, even if you land in say, Heathrow, and start feeling safe, forget it. There simply are no shortcuts. Changing flights and just in transit to somewhere with more attractive passport laws? It’s still a no-go. That’s because you still need to “change terminals to get onto a different flight.” Of course, that means getting your passport checked again.

Unfortunately, you won’t avoid the issue by arriving on a cruise ship. Docking in the UK means immigration authorities want to see that British Passport, not your Canadian one marked “dual citizen” in the passport or in the depths of their beaurocratic records.

A Modernized Mess?

Is it as “confusing” as people claim? Well, it seems it definitely is. While officials claim it’s about “modernizing border security,” travelers on the ground simply see the ice wall on Game of Thrones in the form of bureaucracy. Yes! There be dragons sitting on the borders.

One travel expert noted that while the process can be done online, it still takes weeks to sort out. For the average traveler who just wants to see Big Ben, Australians and Canadians might prefer to just ditch the clock in the Thames River and head for friendlier climes. After all, for heaven’s sake, why did travel become a full-time job?

Viewers React

One person who watched the report seemed to sum up the frustration perfectly: “This is just another way to grab money from people who have been traveling freely for years.”

Here are a few more responses from the discussion:

• All you need to get into the UK is a rubber dinghy, security my @X!!!
• This rule applied before 1989 in all Eastern bloc countries. This is nonsense. If a person is a Canadian Citizen and carries a Canadian passport, why would you have to get a UK passport because you were born in the UK or your parents were? The Canadian Gov should push hard to exempt Canadian Citizens born in the UK from this rule.
• The new travel rule causes confusion for ALL British citizens with dual citizenship. UK did not single out Canada.

What are your thoughts? Are the new security measures in the United Kingdom necessary? Or, is it just another hurdle for the global traveler? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your travel news and updates.