Entering the UK- or going to happen now

I may be wrong and she was born here but her parents arent British.

Yes, you are wrong. Why would you assume that?

Her parents were British. Nanna8 was born here then emigrated as an adult to Australia.

I hope that is correct, I expect she's asleep now so not able to clarify this herself.

Actually, I’m pretty sure that the rule is IF you have dual nationality AND hold both a British Passport and one for your other nationality, you MUST use your British passport whilst travelling to and from the UK?

Either have two passports like most people living outside their country of origin do , or don’t and face the consequences

An ETA is easy to do online.
At least, the Australian one is, but, like many British Government websites, the British one probably has a glitch in its system to send you round in ever-decreasing circles.

I wonder if this has caught many people out, though, as it did with the people we know coming from the Caribbean last year. There was very little notice that visas were required and they had paid for their holiday which they had to cancel.

The rules are worldwide * Carriade*
As for Nana8 s story I can’t go over it again but you are making up scenarios that aren’t the story at all Read the thread
You ve really just made up a fairy story

Cossy

Actually, I’m pretty sure that the rule is IF you have dual nationality AND hold both a British Passport and one for your other nationality, you MUST use your British passport whilst travelling to and from the UK?

Well, yes, use your other passport to leave the country of residence and your UK one to enter UK then vice versa on return.

Allira

You don't lose British citizenship (although it could be taken away in rare circumstances) but, if you want to come into the UK on a foreign passport, an ETA is now required.
It's easily done, I would think, we have to do them for Australia.

We, Brits, have to have visas of some type for many countries, it’s really not a big deal, an ETA is simply a form of visa and will be easily and cheaply obtained.

Honestly I cannot see the issue? I was born in Singapore to service parents, my mother was British and my biological father Canadian, I chose to only have British citizenship therefore on our trip to Canada last year had to get electronic visas. I’m not really sure what all the fuss is about, on the one hand we tell the govt to put in more checks then when they do, that’s also wrong! It’s a bit like the angst around ID cards and having to show photo ID at polling stations, honestly big fat fuss over nothing, in my opinion.

BlueBelle

The rules are worldwide * Carriade*
As for Nana8 s story I can’t go over it again but you are making up scenarios that aren’t the story at all Read the thread
You ve really just made up a fairy story

Gnomatter, a thread with gnomistakes would be unusual, Bluebelle
(Sorry)

an ETA is simply a form of visa and will be easily and cheaply obtained.

Cossy theoretically!
Ever tried to negotiate the Government site to get a Blue Badge? 😲

So, aside from “rushed” timescales and lack of information widely available, I don’t understand what all the fuss is about?

*An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new digital, pre-travel permission required by non-visa nationals visiting or transiting the UK for up to 6 months. From 25 February 2026, all eligible international visitors—including European (EU/EEA/Swiss) citizens—must have an approved ETA before traveling to avoid being denied boarding.
Key Aspects of the UK ETA System
Who Needs One: All "non-visa nationals" (those who currently don't need a visa for short stays), including citizens from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and other countries. This applies to tourists, business travelers, and those transiting, including children and babies.
Who is Exempt: British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. Those with valid UK visas or settled status also do not require one.
Requirements & Cost: Applications are made via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK for £16. It requires a passport photo, biometric data, and answers to security questions.
Validity: Once issued, the ETA lasts for 2 years and allows for multiple visits.
Enforcement Date: The scheme becomes mandatory for all eligible visitors on 25 February 2026*

You may have been born in the UK but you are now Australian and have been for 50 years so you have as much right as any Australian citizen does entering the UK.

Mamie

It is the same for our son. He has Spanish nationality and has to renew his UK passport before he can visit.

Ah Brexit. The gift that keeps on giving. Not.

Allira

^an ETA is simply a form of visa and will be easily and cheaply obtained.^

Cossy theoretically!
Ever tried to negotiate the Government site to get a Blue Badge? 😲

Yes! I’ve used all manner of govt and cancel websites, they can be a minefield, however, with a bit of patience and perseverance it will work.

I’m not suggesting it’s not a pain, it’s simply not as dramatic or alarming as some might like to paint it.

Most things are now digital, so either we need to learn and do it ourselves, or get someone else to do it for us.

I’m not condoning this, just trying to accept this is the world in which we now live.

Also the ETA is for everyone, bar British and Irish citizens, so no doubt we’ll be doing the same for more countries now and no doubt some of this is due to Brexit.

BlueBelle

The rules have changed as of end of February and Uk has caught up with the rest of the world Basgetti and Grandmabatty
Now you will have to show a Uk passport or a certificate of entitlement to enter Uk
It costs £94 to get a Uk passport and more for a certificate of entitlement
Uk is just catching up the rest of the world we are late to the game Nana8

Fair enough. That’s life.

*council not cancel

So, aside from “rushed” timescales and lack of information widely available, I don’t understand what all the fuss is about?

Rushed timescales and lack of information may cause problems, I would think.

At least this time I think notice was given in advance.

For some countries it was introduced last year in a rush. It was announced and introduced on the same day, with immediate effect. For those about to travel, it was impossible and visits had to be cancelled and some of the money lost.

Yes! I’ve used all manner of govt and cancel websites, they can be a minefield, however, with a bit of patience and perseverance it will work.

So have I but that one was impossible, Cossy! I said, very confidently, that I would take over from DH who said something was wrong with the system. "Move over, I'll sort it" I said 😁
There was something wrong with the system.

karmalady

some people want one foot in both camps, so they can buy a property in the uk, claim residence and hence access pension, nhs and benefits, in spite of not having paid a penny. Leeches

Quite.

Basgetti

karmalady

some people want one foot in both camps, so they can buy a property in the uk, claim residence and hence access pension, nhs and benefits, in spite of not having paid a penny. Leeches

Quite.

Spiteful post.

That is not the case at all with anyone we know.

We know several couples with properties in various countries and dual nationalities. They know how to play the system, or their clever accountants do.

Basgetti

karmalady

some people want one foot in both camps, so they can buy a property in the uk, claim residence and hence access pension, nhs and benefits, in spite of not having paid a penny. Leeches

Quite.

You do realise that the UK has reciprocal arrangements with Australia for emergency treatment, don't you?
And that, if someone of pension age emigrates to Australia, even if they have paid full NI contributions all their working lives in the UK, their State Pension remains at the same level as when they left?

How can someone claim a pension without paying any NI at all?

There are several misconceptions on this thread.

Allira

^Thanks. That makes sense, but if someone has taken out another country's citizenship they (presumably) aren't planning to return?^

They might, you never know.

It's easier to take out eg Australian citizenship if you marry an Australian and then have children, but if you want to travel regularly regularly to and from the UK to visit family best to have dual nationality for yourself and to apply for if fir your children too.

If you decided to spend half your time in each country, as one of my relatives does, best to have dual nationality.

Yes, my brother has dual nationality too (Australia), and I understand that it's easier for him and his family. That doesn't mean I think it's a good thing, though, or that I think he should be able to vote here. I have no idea whether he does, but I doubt it.

With all respect, why should someone who has CHOSEN to make their life in another country, not a temporary job move or fixed term contract, have any say whatsoever in the election of our government.
I can remember voices being raised in past years about expats in mainland Europe not having/having (can’t remember which) a say in the Brexit referendum.
I was born in Scotland but rightly had no say in either the devolution or independence referendums. (Referenda?)
MYOB is my response.

Allira

^I may be wrong and she was born here but her parents arent British.^

Yes, you are wrong. Why would you assume that?

Her parents were British. Nanna8 was born here then emigrated as an adult to Australia.

I hope that is correct, I expect she's asleep now so not able to clarify this herself.

There ya' go then....

She is thinking "But I AM British.......".

I wouldnt take kindly to being charged for something that most certainly is mine regardless.

It's akin to if my (both British) parents had had me abroad and I'd never stepped foot in Britain - I'd still be there thinking "Huh?! Why am I being charged to come to my own country? I have the right anyway..." I'd be there describing myself as "adopted Australian - but I'm British really".

Doodledog

Allira

Thanks. That makes sense, but if someone has taken out another country's citizenship they (presumably) aren't planning to return?

They might, you never know.

It's easier to take out eg Australian citizenship if you marry an Australian and then have children, but if you want to travel regularly regularly to and from the UK to visit family best to have dual nationality for yourself and to apply for if fir your children too.

If you decided to spend half your time in each country, as one of my relatives does, best to have dual nationality.

Yes, my brother has dual nationality too (Australia), and I understand that it's easier for him and his family. That doesn't mean I think it's a good thing, though, or that I think he should be able to vote here. I have no idea whether he does, but I doubt it.

I told mine to vote in the referendum.

They decided they shouldn't, eventhough one had lived and worked in Europe - who knows, the result might have been different!

Not everyone who emigrates does in fact apply for citizenship of the other country, many are permanent residents.

Cariad you’re getting it all wrong, really do stop, you’re making it up as you go along
This isn’t a rule against anyone, it’s a rule that is keeping us level with the rest of the world
This is worldwide ruling we are now joining in and keeping in tune with the rest of the world