New Passport Rules

From May 2025, new passport rules will start to affect some travellers who hold dual nationality. As a Travel Counsellor, it is important you help your clients understand how this could impact their holiday plans, especially for those who are used to travelling freely on more than one passport.

Below is a customer facing blog you can use or adapt. It is written in UK English and in plain, reassuring language.

Travelling as a dual national: what you need to know about new passport rules.

If you hold more than one passport, you might be used to enjoying extra flexibility when you travel. However, from 2025 onwards several countries are tightening their entry rules for dual nationals. This means that the passport you use to enter and leave a country will matter more than ever. To help you travel with confidence, I have summarised key points to be aware of, plus some simple steps you can take before you book your next trip. What is a dual national? You are a dual national (or dual citizen) if you are legally recognised as a citizen of two different countries. For example: A UK and Irish citizen. A UK and Canadian citizen Someone born abroad to British parents who also holds the passport of their country of birth. Many people have always travelled without giving this much thought, simply choosing the passport that offers the easiest entry to a particular destination. What is changing? Different countries are introducing, or more strictly enforcing, rules about which passport you must use to: Enter the country Leave the country Transit through (for connecting flights) At the same time, more destinations are moving to digital or pre‑authorisation systems, where your passport details are checked before you travel, for example: Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) Online visa applications Advance passenger information (API) For dual nationals, this can create complications if the details you use when you apply for authorisation do not match the passport you actually travel on.

Common issues dual nationals may face:

Here are some of the most frequent problems that can arise:

1. Mismatched passports on bookings and boarding passes. Airlines and border systems are increasingly strict about data matching. If: You book your flight using one passport, but, Try to check in or travel on a different passport you may be delayed at check‑in, denied boarding, or held at immigration until your identity is clarified.

2. Using the wrong passport to enter or leave a country. Some countries require you to enter and leave using the same passport, or specifically the passport of that country if you are a citizen. For example, a dual national might be required to: Enter and leave their “home” country using their local passport. Use their other passport only for travel elsewhere, If you do not follow that country’s rules, you may experience delays or legal complications.

3. Digital travel authorisations linked to the “wrong” passport, Where a country requires a visa or ETA, the authorisation is usually electronically linked to a single passport number. If you arrive at the border with a different passport, that authorisation will not show on the system, even if it was granted to you. This can lead to entry being refused.

4. Name or personal detail differences .Sometimes the same person appears differently across two passports, for example: Different spellings of names or surnames, Middle names used on one passport but not the other. Different place of birth formats, As more systems become automated, small differences can raise questions and cause delays.

How this could affect your holiday , In practice, these changes mean dual nationals may need to think a little more carefully before booking a trip. Potential impacts include: Extra checks at check‑in or immigration. Being asked to show both passports during the journey. Having to change which passport you usually travel on for certain destinations .Needing additional authorisations (such as an ETA or e‑visa) that you did not previously require. The key is preparation: ensuring the details on the booking, the passport you travel with, and any digital authorisations are all consistent. Simple steps for dual nationals before you travel<br/>To keep your travel smooth and stress free, here are some practical steps you can follow:

1. Decide in advance which passport you will use for the trip Before we confirm any arrangements, decide: Which passport gives you the best entry rights for your destination. Whether your destination has specific rules for citizens or dual nationals. Once that decision is made, use that same passport consistently for: Flight bookings, Hotel or cruise manifests (if required) Visa or ETA applications, Online check‑in and boarding.

2. Check validity and blank pages on both passports. Even if you only plan to use one passport for the trip, make sure both are in good order, in case you are asked to present them: Check the expiry dates for both passports Ensure you have enough blank pages if a physical stamp or visa is required. Remember that some destinations require at least six months’ validity remaining on the passport you travel on.

3. Check entry rules specifically for dual nationals. Do not assume that the rules for tourists on a single passport automatically apply to you. Dual nationals may be: Required to enter as a citizen, not as a visitor Exempt from some visas on one passport, but not the other. Treated differently for length of stay or work rights. This is particularly important if you are returning to a country where you were born, or where a parent is from, and you hold citizenship.

4. Keep your travel documents together. When travelling, keep: Both passports Any printed confirmations of ETAs, e‑visas, or approvals, Flight confirmations showing the passport details used Together and easily accessible. This can help speed things up if an airline or immigration officer asks questions.

5. Let your Travel Counsellor know you are a dual national When I arrange your trip, it is helpful to know: Which passports you hold  Which one you prefer to travel on Whether you have existing visas or authorisations. I can then make sure your booking is set up correctly, and remind you of any extra steps needed before you travel. that if your situation is complicated? Some dual nationals have additional complexities, for example: Children with two or more nationalities. Dual nationals who have never used one of their passports before People who have recently renewed one passport but not the other Those who have changed their name through marriage or divorce In these cases, it is particularly important to get personalised advice on how to travel correctly in and out of each country.

How I can help as your Travel Counsellor. Passport rules and digital systems are evolving all the time, and it can feel confusing even for very experienced travellers. My role is to: Help you identify potential issues before you book Ensure your booking details are consistent with the passport you will travel on .Highlight where additional authorisations might be required Give you clear reminders of what to carry and what to show at each stage of your journey. I cannot make legal or immigration decisions, and final entry is always at the discretion of border authorities, but I can help you travel prepared and informed. Final thoughts If you hold more than one passport, it can be a real advantage when travelling, as long as you use them in the right way. With a little preparation, you can continue to enjoy that flexibility while staying compliant with new and evolving rules. If you are a dual national and are thinking about your next holiday, get in touch with me before you book. I will help you choose the best way to travel, check the latest guidance for your specific situation, and put together a trip that is as smooth and stress free as possible from the moment you leave home.

Contact me today to start planning your next escape with complete peace of mind. #Travelcounsellors #TravelAdvice #PassportTips