Friday 27 March 2026

Zeena Luchowa (Partner) has been quoted in The Independent in an article by Simon Calder examining the practical impact of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme on dual British nationals.

Since 25 February 2026, the ETA scheme has been fully enforced for non-visa nationals visiting the UK. This has created issues for some dual British citizens seeking to return to the UK following travel. In his article, Simon Calder discusses a potential workaround involving travel via Ireland. Zeena has commented as follows:

British citizens are not subject to immigration control under the Immigration Act 1971, and there are no routine checks on the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Entering the UK via Dublin and travelling onwards within the Common Travel Area is not, in itself, unlawful.

The absence of routine CTA border checks does not mean there are no checks at all. Ad hoc or intelligence-led checks can still occur, so this workaround does not fully remove the practical barriers faced by British dual nationals.

Subject to an individual’s particular circumstances, we would likely not routinely advise clients on this sort of workaround based on the practical risks and Home Office guidance, and where it is possible to do so, would rather suggest obtaining a British passport or certificate of entitlement to the right of abode.

Each case shall of course vary, and the solution will also depend on timing and other sensitivities.’

Read the full article here.