Dual nationality basics

The basics

Dual citizenship, also called dual nationality, is allowed in the UK. You do not need to apply to keep your British citizenship when you get another one. Many countries do not accept dual citizenship, so check the other country's laws with its embassy or consulate in the UK. Some countries count a married person as having their partner's nationality, and children may take a parent's nationality even if born abroad.

You may be automatically British if you were born in the UK or have a parent with British citizenship. The Home Office does not record everyone who is automatically British, so check your status before travelling to the UK. Marrying a British citizen does not make you British automatically.

Entering the UK

A dual national can travel to the UK with a valid UK passport or Irish passport, or a certificate of entitlement. British or Irish dual citizens cannot get an ETA. If you became British after settling under the EU Settlement Scheme you can also travel with a valid passport of your other nationality, or an EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Swiss national identity card; check your eVisa status first.

Airlines may let you travel with an expired UK passport issued in 1989 or later plus a valid passport of an ETA-eligible nationality, if the details match. That is the carrier's decision, and if you previously held a UK passport you can apply for an emergency travel document instead.

Your British application

If you hold another country's passport, the name and gender on it must match the ones on your British application, and you must provide it when you renew. Details: renewing.

Help abroad

You cannot get diplomatic help from the UK government in the other country where you hold citizenship. A British-French dual national cannot get UK diplomatic help in France.