Australians travelling to Britain will face new entry rules from February 25, with dual UK or Irish citizens no longer allowed to enter on an Australian passport, while all other travellers must pay for a new travel authorisation.
Until now, Australians who also held British or Irish citizenship could choose which passport to use when entering the UK.
That will change from February 25, when dual nationals will be required to enter Britain using their British or Irish passport only.
For dual citizens without a valid UK or Irish passport, the remaining options are limited and expensive.
The main alternative is applying for a Certificate of Entitlement, which allows entry using another passport but costs $1,182.
Australians who do not hold UK or Irish citizenship will also be affected by the changes.
From February 25, they must obtain a paid Electronic Travel Authorisation before boarding a flight to Britain.
Dual citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement, but only because they are now expected to travel as British or Irish nationals instead.
Aussies who have dual citizenship will be forced to fork out hundreds of dollars in some cases.
Dual Aussie UK/Irish citizens must enter the UK on their UK or Irish passport from 25 February.
'The UK government has advised these requirements will be strictly enforced from 25 February,' Smartraveller said in an update posted on Wednesday.
Who is affected?
Australians who hold dual citizenship with the UK or Ireland will be impacted by a new travel rule when visiting Britain.
What used to happen
Until now, dual citizens could choose which passport to use when entering the UK - Australian, British or Irish.
What's changing from February 25
From 25 February, dual UK or Irish citizens must enter the UK using their British or Irish passport.
Your options if you're a dual citizen
Travellers can choose from one of these three options:
- Apply for a British passport, which costs about $280, including courier fees.
- Apply for a Certificate of Entitlement, which allows travel on another passport and costs $1,182.
- Renounce British citizenship, which costs about $966.
What is a Certificate of Entitlement?
It's a document placed in another passport that proves your right to enter the UK. If you live outside the UK, you must apply online.
Processing usually takes around three weeks after attending a visa centre appointment.
What if I'm just an Australian citizen?
Australians without UK or Irish citizenship can still visit the UK by applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, which costs about $32.
What happens if I don't have the right documents?
From February 25, passengers without a valid passport or Certificate of Entitlement or ETA risk being denied boarding to the UK.