An obvious technical glitch within the UK’s new ETA digital visa-waiver is successfully barring entry to the UK to some British twin nationals, The Native can reveal.
In April the UK will develop its Digital Journey Authorisation to incorporate EU, EEA, Swiss and Norwegian residents, however as travellers start to make their functions for the digital visa waiver, some British dual-nationals have encountered an issue that’s successfully barring them from entry to the UK.
In what seems to be a technical glitch within the on-line software course of, some individuals who have twin nationality for the UK and one other nation, however do not have a sound UK passport, report having their ETA functions blocked.
Twin nationals with British or Irish citizenship ought to be exempt from getting an ETA – however provided that they’ve a present and legitimate UK/Irish passport.
If their UK passport is expired or misplaced that means they’re compelled to journey on their “different” passport, then they should apply for an ETA.
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However in a twist it seems they’re then barred from making use of for an ETA on the level within the on-line software once they should say they’ve British nationality.
This successfully leaves them in a lure and unable to journey as a result of they are going to be denied entry to the UK if they’re travelling on an EU passport with out an ETA. This contains in some instances the EU-born youngsters of UK nationals.
How the method works for twin nationals
In precept, twin nationals ought to be capable of select which passport to journey on – in contrast to the US, the UK doesn’t require its residents to make use of their UK passport to enter the nation.
The passports of twin nationals are usually not ‘linked’ for border management, so you’re handled in response to the passport that you simply current.
However though UK-European twin nationals ought to theoretically be capable of select to journey on their European passport, the web site and app that processes ETA functions doesn’t seem to permit this.
As candidates undergo the questions and add their paperwork, they attain one asking ‘Add every other nationalities you could have, together with any you could have had previously’.
Screenshot from the UK’s ETA software course of
Readers of The Native who’re twin nationals have reported that the web site or app doesn’t permit them to declare being British as an ‘different’ nationality and proceed any additional with the applying.
Native reader Richard stated: “A twin Danish/Spanish/no matter nationality that holds British nationality will denied an ETA of their international passport as a result of on the applying for a UK ETA it’ll ask you you probably have different nationalities. The second you say British your software shall be denied.”
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One reader famous that candidates face “having to lie on their ETA software and chancing it” or make certain they renew their British passport in time, or apply for a UK passport if they’ve by no means had one.
Not declaring that you’re additionally a British citizen isn’t advisable; whereas British authorities pc programs aren’t identified for being joined up, making a false declaration may very well be an offence.
Anybody travelling on an European passport with out an ETA shall be turned again on the border, or denied boarding to their flight, prepare or ferry, except they’ll present a sound UK or Irish passport.
ETA started to be rolled out in late 2024, beginning with a small group of non-EU international locations after which increasing to incorporate all non-EU residents from the start of January.
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From April 2nd it’ll even be required for anybody travelling on an European passport (EU plus EFTA – Switzerland, Norway, Iceland; Liechtenstein) – apart from individuals utilizing a UK or Irish passport. Functions are actually open for European residents and many individuals are already making their journey preparations.
The ETA have to be utilized for on-line upfront of journey, it prices £10 and lasts for 2 years – discover full particulars HERE.
Why would twin nationals not have a UK passport?
Having citizenship of a rustic and having a sound passport isn’t the identical factor. There could also be any variety of explanation why twin nationals wouldn’t have a UK/Irish passport, a number of the commonest ones are;
- The passport is being renewed or has been misplaced of stolen – one of many nice benefits of being a twin nationwide is that if one passport is off being renewed, or has been misplaced/stolen you may merely use the opposite one while you’re ready
- The passport has expired – if a UK passport has expired and the twin nationwide makes use of their different passport to journey, they might really feel that it isn’t price the price to resume it. Renewing a UK passport from abroad prices £101 for adults and £65.50 for youngsters
- They by no means had a passport – that is particularly related to UK nationals who stay overseas and have had youngsters there. Their youngsters are entitled to British citizenship, but when dad and mom need a UK passport for his or her little one they might want to apply, and pay the charges. Not all dad and mom really feel that that is price it, or need to pay the charges, so it isn’t particularly uncommon to seek out Brits dwelling overseas who had youngsters who’re British residents, however have by no means had a UK passport
The Native has requested the UK authorities to look into this drawback and supply some steering for British or Irish twin nationals hoping to journey to the UK.
Have you ever had points with the ETA app or web site? Share your experiences within the feedback part under
