One of our volunteer contributors based this story on relevant but out of date information.
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At present, dual nationals (who were born outside Britain) usually use the passport of their birthplace to go home and their British one to re-enter Britain. Travellers born in South Africa, for example, use their South African passports when booking a flight from Britain to their home country. When entering and leaving South Africa they make use of their South African passports as that simplifies the process, but then use their British passport on return
But The Daily Telegraph now says the “e-borders” system will log passenger information according to the data provided by the airline, which in most cases will be from the non-British passport used for the outbound journey. As a result, a dual national – even if readmitted to Britain by an immigration officer on showing a British passport – could be registered as an alien with no more rights than any other tourist. In the case of South Africans they may even have to provide a visitor visa.
On a subsequent trip, such a person attempting to return to Britain could be recorded as having broken immigration law. An airline, under the “e-borders” system, would be denied permission to carry the passenger home. Even if a British passport were presented, it would have to be verified by the nearest consulate or by the Passport Agency in the UK.
Australians, Americans, New Zealanders and Canadians who have adopted British nationality are also among those likely to be affected. There are more than half a million people born in these countries in the UK at the moment.
The UK Border Agency confirmed that dual passports holders will have to use the passport you bought the ticket with to exit and enter the UK. If you don’t use that passport you will not be allowed or able to travel.
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