A British citizen living in Switzerland has reported that HM Passport Office (HMPO) is accepting passport applications for some of their children while rejecting others, despite submitting identical documents. The family applied after a rule change on 25 February 2026 that requires dual nationals living overseas to hold a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to enter the UK.
Family's Nightmare with Passport Applications
The parent, writing to The Guardian's consumer affairs section, explained they are a Briton residing in Switzerland with three children who hold both British and Swiss nationality. They stated: "When we found out via the Guardian that dual nationals, who live overseas, are now required to hold a British passport in order to enter the UK, we set about applying, so the children can continue to visit their English relatives."
More than three months later, the family has spent close to £800 on fees, translations, and postage, and countless hours on online helplines. They provided all requested documents, including three different birth certificates for each child (British, Swiss, and a certified translation). Despite this, the application for their youngest child was refused, even though the siblings' applications were accepted based on the same documents.
February 2026 Rule Change
From 25 February 2026, British citizens who hold another nationality can no longer travel to the UK without a valid UK passport or certificate of entitlement. Previously, dual nationals could travel on their other nationality's passport if that nationality was not on the UK's visa national list. Since British citizens are not eligible for Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) or eVisas, the Labour Party government strongly advises dual British citizens to ensure they have a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid problems such as being denied boarding when travelling to the UK from 25 February 2026.
Warning from 3million
The campaign group 3million warns: "You may not be able to board your transport to the UK without a valid document. Apply for a passport or a certificate of entitlement now. It will avoid complications when travelling to the UK from 25 February 2026."
