UK ETA for Dual Citizens: Which Passport Should You Use?

Introduction

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system is revolutionizing how travelers access the country. In particular, dual citizens must know which passport to use, as choosing the incorrect one could cause inconvenience or complications.
Correspondingly, we discuss the UK ETA process and which passport dual citizens must use, along with common mistakes to avoid.

UK ETA for Dual Citizens

Specifically, the ETA permits tourism, business, or transit through the UK. It covers stays up to six months for visa-exempt nationals.

In particular, travelers from the following countries must already apply:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Argentina
3. Australia
4. The Bahamas
5. Bahrain
6. Barbados
7. Belize
8. Botswana
9. Brazil
10. Brunei
11. Canada
12. Chile
13. Costa Rica
14. Grenada
15. Guatemala
16. Guyana
17. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National overseas)
18. Israel
19. Japan
20. Kiribati
21. Kuwait
22. Macao Special Administrative Region
23. Malaysia
24. Maldives
25. Marshall Islands
26. Mauritius
27. Mexico
28. Federated States of Micronesia
29. Nauru
30. New Zealand
31. Nicaragua
32. Oman
33. Palau
34. Panama
35. Papua New Guinea
36. Paraguay
37. Peru
38. Qatar
39. Samoa
40. Saudi Arabia
41. Seychelles
42. Singapore
43. Solomon Islands
44. South Korea
45. St. Kitts and Nevis
46. St. Lucia
47. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
48. Taiwan
49. Toga
50. Trinidad and Tobago
51. Tuvalu
52. United Arab Emirates
53. United States
54. Uruguay

Meanwhile, applications have opened for European travelers visiting the UK on or after April 2, 2025:

1. Andorra
2. Austria
3. Belgium
4. Bulgaria
5. Croatia
6. Cyprus
7. Czechia
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hungary
15. Iceland
16. Italy
17. Latvia
18. Liechtenstein
19. Lithuania
20. Luxembourg
21. Malta
22. Monaco
23. Netherlands
24. Norway
25. Poland
26. Portugal
27. Romania
28. San Marino
29. Slovakia
30. Slovenia
31. Spain
32. Sweden
33. Switzerland
34. Vatican City

To apply for an ETA, visit the EVS platform. It simplifies the Saudi e-visa application process. Moreover, it lets youfocus on preparing for your journey instead of going through complex visa processes.

Overall, you can experience efficient, reliable, and professional visa support with EVS. Ready to get started with your application? Then visit the website today to obtain your ETA.

Apply Now

Who Doesn’t Need a UK ETA?

Specifically, the following do not need an ETA if they:

• Are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship (Correspondingly, they must prove their permission to travel with a valid British or Irish passport. In addition, if they hold another valid passport, then they must have a certificate of entitlement.)
• Have a UK visit visa
• Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK (This includes those with settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
• Are transitting through a UK airport and will pass through border control
• Are a British or Irish citizen
• Are traveling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
• Are holders of a British National (Overseas) passport
• Live in Ireland and are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man
• Are a child traveling on the France-UK school trip travel information form
• Are exempt from immigration control

Since the ETA is linked to the passport used for application, dual citizens must apply carefully. Overall, using the wrong passport could cause problems at the border.

Passport Dual Citizens Must Use

It must be remembered that dual citizens need to understand the rules before applying for a UK ETA. Specifically, some passports require an ETA. Meanwhile, others do not.

If you hold a UK passport

In particular, UK citizens don’t need an ETA. Hence, if you hold a UK passport, you can use it to enter the country. Correspondingly, this eliminates the need for an application.

If one of your passports requires an ETA

If you hold passports from two different countries and one requires an ETA, then you may need to apply.

Given these points, it’s crucial to check visa rules for both nationalities and how the dual citizen eligibility works.

Important Considerations

It must be remembered that your ETA is linked to one passport. Hence, you must enter and exit the UK with the same passport.

If you’re eligible for visa-free entry (like Irish citizens), then you don’t need an ETA.

Which Passport to Present?

Border officers check your documents to confirm your identity and travel eligibility. Hence, using the correct passport ensures a smooth entry.

Scenario 1: UK Passport Holders

UK citizens should present their UK passport at the border. This avoids any ETA confusion.

Scenario 2: Dual Citizens with Two ETA-Eligible Passports

If you applied for an ETA with your US passport, then you must enter the UK using the same document. Overall, switching passports could cause issues.

Scenario 3: Dual Citizens with One ETA-Required Passport and One Exempt Passport

For example, a US-UK citizen should use their UK passport at the border.

Meanwhile, a Canadian-Irish dual citizen can enter with their Irish passport without needing an ETA.

Switching passports after an ETA approval can lead to delays or refusal at immigration. As such, always use the same passport throughout your journey.

Scenario 4: Traveling with an Expired UK Passport

If you have an expired UK passport and you enter with your second passport, then you may need a UK ETA. Hence, renew your UK passport to avoid unnecessary applications.

Final Tips for Dual Citizens

Choosing the right passport simplifies your UK travel experience. In paricular, here’s what to remember:

UK passport holders should always use their UK passport. Specifically, dual citizens with an ETA-required passport must apply using the same passport they will enter with.

It must be remembered that switching passports after an ETA approval can cause delays. As such, check UK ETA requirements before booking flights.

Overall, understanding these rules helps you avoid problems at the airport and ensures a smooth entry into the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use one passport for my UK ETA and another for entry?

Becuase your ETA is linked to one passport, no. Hence, you must use the same document for travel and immigration checks.

Can I apply for an ETA with my second passport if my UK passport is expired?

Yes. But it’s better to renew your UK passport. It must be remembered that using a second passport may require an ETA.

What happens if I arrive in the UK with the wrong passport?

If you arrive in the UK with the wrong passport, then you may face problems. This includes delays, entry denial, or needing to apply for an ETA at the last minute.

Can I change my passport details after getting a UK ETA?

Because your ETA is linked to the passport used during the application, no. If you get a new passport, then you must apply again.

What if my second nationality is from an EU country?

If you are traveling on or after April 2, 2025, then check if ETA is mandatory for your second nationality. On the other hand, if yes, then secure an ETA for short stays. Otherwise, apply for a standard UK visa instead.

How long does the UK ETA approval take?

Overall, most applications are processed within a few days. But applying early is recommended.

Can I use my UK passport to leave but another passport to return?

No. It must be remembered that you must use the same passport for exit and entry into the UK.

Photo by Global Residence Index on Unsplash