British-Australian retiree Ian Fletcher is meant to be going on a seven-week holiday to the United Kingdom with his wife Vicki in April, but it may not go ahead due to new passport rules.
The 61-year-old is one of many dual citizens who have expressed their frustration online after the UK government announced changes to passport regulations.
It prevents British/Irish dual citizens from entering the UK using a passport from a different country, such as an Australian passport.
They will have to use either a valid British or Irish passport, or another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement (COE).
“It’s quite frustrating for me as I am planning to travel Europe towards the end of April and I now have to rush to get a British passport, which I actually haven’t held for 25 years,” Mr Fletcher said.
“When you read the online documentation saying that a British passport could take between six and 13 weeks … we are really bordering on not making the flight.“
Mr Fletcher is a keen traveller. (Supplied: Ian Fletcher)
To complicate matters more, Mr Fletcher has to get a copy of his UK birth certificate before he can apply for a British passport for identity verification purposes, which will cost him a few hundred dollars.
“I only have an Australian passport and for 20 years only travelled on an Australian passport. I don’t need a British passport,” he said.
In the past financial year, 635,000 Australians visited the UK, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Here is what you need to know about travelling to the UK as a dual citizen or traveller ahead of the changes being implemented next month.
The new dual citizen British passport rules explained
From February 25, Australians visiting the UK will have to pay about AU$32 and apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
However, British/Irish dual citizens are exempt and will no longer be able to use their Australian passport to get into the UK.
Australian/British/Irish dual citizens will have to carry two passports if they want to travel to the UK and return to Australia. (ABC News: Mary Lloyd)
A COE is proof you have the right to abode in the UK, which all British citizens have.
It allows you to live and work in the country without immigration restrictions or a time limit and is placed in your non-British passport.
Every time your passport has to be renewed, your COE does too.
The UK government recommends you do not book travel until you have your new and valid passport, as it will have a different number.
In a previous statement the UK government described the changes as a “significant step towards digitising the immigration system and paves the way for a contactless UK border in the future”.
What costs are involved?
The changes have come as a surprise to many dual citizens, who will have to choose whether to pay for a British or Irish passport, the COE, or renounce their British citizenship.
Adult British passport applications by Australian residents cost from £120.50 plus a £19.86 courier fee, amounting to about AU$280.
The cost of an adult Irish standard 10-year passport application by Australian residents is €75 with a €15 postal fee, totalling about AU$156.
The COE is the most expensive option, costing £589, or about AU$1,180 when applied for outside the UK.
It is also possible to renounce your British citizenship at a cost of £482, or AU$966.
How can I tell if I’m a dual citizen?
Whether you are a dual citizen depends on the laws of Australia and your other country.
You may be a dual citizen if you:
- Have a parent who is a national of another country.
- Marry a national of another country.
- Apply for and receive citizenship of another country and do not lose your Australian citizenship.
- Remain a citizen of another country and become an Australian citizen.
- Were born overseas.
Australian travellers will have to pay the cost of an ETA when going to the UK. (Reuters: Mina Kim)
You do not automatically lose your other citizenship when you become an Australian citizen.
There are often formal processes that have to be undertaken if you want to renounce your original nationality.
You can always check with your local embassy or consulate.
What happens if I do not have valid documents?
If you do not have a valid passport or COE you may not be able to board transport to the UK on or after February 25.
What is the electronic travel authorisation?
An ETA gives permission for a person without UK immigration status or citizenship to travel to the country and visit for up to six months.
The reasons for visiting include seeing family or tourism.
Under the current rules, an Australian citizen does not need one to travel to the UK, but from February 25, they will.
An ETA usually costs £16 (AU$32).
Everyone in the family including babies and children must have an ETA.
