Smartraveller: Australians with dual Irish or British citizenship hit with eye-watering UK travel costs

Australians who have dual citizenship and are travelling to the UK will face a major change starting next month.

Aussies with dual Irish or British citizenship will be required to enter the UK on their Irish or British passports as of February 25.

The only other means of entry is through a certificate of entitlement in another valid passport.

“The UK government has advised these requirements will be strictly enforced from 25 February,” Smartraveller said in an update posted on Wednesday.

What are my options and how much do they cost?

The changes were first announced on November 24, 2025, but the quick turnaround has left many Aussies with dual citizenship in a tight spot as they rush to pay for a second passport and hope it arrives in time.

Dual citizens can either choose to pay for a British or Irish passport, opt for a certificate of entitlement or renounce their British citizenship.

Australian residents who wish to make an adult British passport application will need to pay about $280, which includes a courier fee.

The cost of an adult Irish passport (for a period of 10 years) is $156.

Renouncing your British citizenship is extremely costly, coming in at about $966.

But the cost of a certificate of entitlement is the most dear.

What is a certificate of entitlement?

Certificates of entitlement are a way to prove your right to live in the UK.

Aussies without British or Irish dual citizenship are able to visit the UK by applying for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) which only costs about $32.

Those with the affected citizenships are not so lucky.

“These dual citizens are unable to obtain an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) or visa to enter the UK,” Smartraveller said.

Dual citizens who do not wish to get a second passport can instead use this certificate when travelling.

“You cannot get a certificate if you already have a British passport or a valid certificate of entitlement in another foreign passport,” the UK government advises.

People living outside of the UK must apply for the certificate online, which comes in at a staggering cost of $1182.

“You’ll usually get a decision on your application within 3 weeks of attending an appointment at a visa application centre,” the UK government advice said.

“If your application is approved, your certificate of entitlement will be sent to you with your decision letter.”

If the application is refused, dual citizens are able to apply to have their applications reconsidered by UK Visas and Immigration if they think the decision was not made in line with the law or body’s policy.