UK travel: Passport mistake travel insurance won't cover

Travellers heading to the UK in 2026, particularly Australian-British dual citizens will now need to plan ahead, given new UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) rules that require dual British citizens to both enter and leave the UK using their British passport.

Previously, Australian-British dual citizens could use an Australian passport to do so, however, under the new rules, only a valid British passport will be accepted.

Using the wrong passport can result in denied boarding, cancelled flights, and costly last-minute changes so make sure you're mindful of these changes.

Why you should check your passport now

With the new rules coming into effect on February 25, travellers should check their passports well in advance.

Those with expired British passports may find their holiday ends before it begins, turning an exciting trip into an expensive and disappointing ordeal.

Applying for a British passport from overseas

It's important to note that getting a British passport from Australia can take several weeks or more. Delays are common during peak periods or if extra checks are needed.

And while expedited processing options are available, these can be limited. Applicants need to provide proof of citizenship, identity documents, photographs that meet strict specifications, and sometimes additional paperwork. Renewals should be treated as an early planning step, not a last-minute task.

What triggered the changes?

The new passport requirements form part of a wider overhaul of the UK border and immigration system. The government says the changes are a step towards digitising the immigration system and creating a contactless UK border. For non-British passport holders, the key change is the ETA.

Australians travelling on an Australian passport will need an approved ETA before departure. British passport holders do not need an ETA, but they must enter the UK on a valid British passport or hold a Certificate of Entitlement.

What if you can't get a new passport in time?

Travellers who cannot secure a British passport in time may apply for a Certificate of Entitlement, however, this process involves extra costs and can take time to approve.

Emergency passports may be available in some cases, but the process is more complicated if the traveller has not held a UK passport for years. In some cases, postponing your trip until the correct documents are ready is the only option.

Travel insurance and passports: what's covered?

Travel insurance is not designed to fix documentation problems. If a passport expires or is not renewed, costs such as cancelled flights or accommodation are usually the traveller's responsibility.

However, in some instances insurance can help if problems issues occur while overseas. For example, lost, stolen, or damaged passports may be covered, including emergency passport replacement, extra travel, and accommodation. Cover limits differ, so policies should always be checked carefully.

Checking expiry and entry requirements

Both dual and non-dual passport holders should always ensure that their passports are valid well beyond their return date. Many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months after travel, so always err on the side of caution and check those requirements carefully.

Entry rules should be confirmed for every country on your itinerary, including transit stops, as these rules are often enforced before boarding. Be aware that travel insurance cannot resolve entry issues.

A wider trend for dual nationals

As countries across Europe, the UK, Canada, and the US move to digital travel authorisation systems, dual nationals and anyone travelling overseas need to know which passport is required.

Missing required entry authorisations or presenting the wrong passport can result in denied check-in or entry. Planning ahead is key to avoiding last-minute delays.

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