“I Am Sorry”: British High Commissioner Responds as Passport Changes Stun Dual Citizens

By Lions Roar Aotearoa Travel Bureau

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (Wednesday, January 28, 2026) — British High Commissioner Iona Thomas has issued a formal apology to dual New Zealand-UK citizens struggling with a sudden “bombshell” change to border rules, but she remains firm: from next month, a British passport is no longer optional for those with UK citizenship.

The new regulations, effective February 25, 2026, mean that anyone born in Britain or holding British citizenship will be barred from using a New Zealand passport (even with an ETA) to enter the UK.

🛡️ The New “Digital Border” Reality

The change is part of a global tightening of UK borders as the country moves to a fully digital immigration system, similar to those in Australia and Canada.

The Rule: From February 25, all travellers to the UK need either a Visa, an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), or a valid UK passport.
The Catch: The ETA system is only for non-British nationals. Because dual citizens are legally entitled to enter the UK, they are ineligible for an ETA and must present a British passport or a “Certificate of Entitlement” in their NZ passport.
Transitional Ends: Previously, dual citizens could travel on an NZ passport with an ETA as a “transitional measure.” That window is now slamming shut.

💬 “It’s a Bombshell”

Travellers have expressed outrage, claiming the communication of the change has been poor and leaves many with imminent travel plans in a state of panic.

High Commissioner Iona Thomas acknowledged the stress:

“I do understand that travelling can be very stressful… and so I am sorry that people are finding these changes difficult. But it is important that people travel with the right documentation… Our message is simple: Check your documents early and apply well ahead.”

📊 What You Need to Travel (Effective Feb 25, 2026)

Your Status	Required Document	Can you use an ETA?
NZ Citizen (No UK ties)	NZ Passport + ETA	Yes
Dual NZ/UK Citizen	British Passport	No
UK Born / Citizen	British Passport	No
NZ Citizen with UK Parent	Check status at gov.uk	Depends on Citizenship

✈️ Airport Warnings

When asked what happens to travellers who find out about the rule for the first time at the check-in counter, Thomas was blunt:

Airline Responsibility: Airlines are required to ensure passengers have the correct documentation before boarding.
Risk of Denied Boarding: If you are a British citizen trying to board with an NZ passport and no UK passport/Certificate of Entitlement, you may be denied boarding.

🕵️ Verification & Costs

Many descendants of British citizens are now unsure if they technically count as citizens. Thomas urged people to use the official gov.uk/checkbritishcitizenship tool immediately.

While an ETA costs roughly $37 NZD (£10), a standard adult UK passport applied for from overseas costs significantly more (approx. $220+ NZD including courier fees), leading some to accuse the UK government of a “revenue grab.”