If you have dual British and Canadian citizenship, you will need a British or Irish passport to enter the U.K., effective 25 Feb 2026. My British passport has expired. Now I am scrambling to apply to have my passport renewed.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/mont...scrambling-under-new-passport-rules-9.7099400

 

They announced the change last fall. Do people not check what's required before international travel? I still lug my vaccination card around with me "just in case".

 

I remember when I got my first Canadian passport after immigration, it stated that the bearer of this passport is a British Subject.
That was before 1982 patriation of the Constitution.

 

I remember when I got my first Canadian passport after immigration, it stated that the bearer of this passport is a British Subject.
That was before 1982 patriation of the Constitution.

According to the new rules as I understand, you still need to apply for a British passport.

 

I suspect it chahged after 1982.

 

HM Passport Office just replied to me and said my expired passport is too old. I have to apply for a new one.

 

 

HM Passport Office just replied to me and said my expired passport is too old. I have to apply for a new one.

How long expired is it?

In the U.S. there is a 5-yr grace period. In other words if your passport is more than 15 yrs old, you have to start over.

 

If you have dual British and Canadian citizenship, you will need a British or Irish passport to enter the U.K., effective 25 Feb 2026, that's tomorrow. My British passport has expired. Now I am scrambling to apply to have my passport renewed.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/mont...scrambling-under-new-passport-rules-9.7099400

There appears to have been some sort of temporary reprieve:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...-effect-today-what-you-need-to-know/106363364

This week it quietly issued temporary guidance to say British dual citizens may be able to use their expired British passport as well as a valid one from another country to enter.

 

If you have dual British and Canadian citizenship, you will need a British or Irish passport to enter the U.K., effective 25 Feb 2026, that's tomorrow. My British passport has expired. Now I am scrambling to apply to have my passport renewed.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/mont...scrambling-under-new-passport-rules-9.7099400

Can you explain Chips, how were you able to enter UK before? Did your Canadian passport say that were a dual citizen, did it state you were also a British citizen?

The people making these changes are morons. They could easily allow one courtesy entry, let you into UK but tell you in person you won't be allowed entry again without meeting the new requirements. Minimal inconvenience and guarantees you are aware of new rules.