TRAVELLING TO THE UK?
As of 25th February 2026 if you were BORN IN THE UK and hold citizenship of another country ie: NZ - you MUST travel into the UK on a UK passport - NOT your country of residences passport.
If you don't have a UK passport - you must either apply for one or renounce your citizenship (applying for a passport is easier and cheaper).
The article above is a bit confusing but we've tried to put it into plain english below - if however you require clarification please reach out to us and we can help to explain it in plain english!
As of 25th February 2026 if you were BORN IN THE UK and hold citizenship of another country ie: NZ - you MUST travel into the UK on a UK passport - NOT your country of residences passport.
If you don't have a UK passport - you must either apply for one or renounce your citizenship (applying for a passport is easier and cheaper).
The article above is a bit confusing but we've tried to put it into plain english below - if however you require clarification please reach out to us and we can help to explain it in plain english!
Important update for UK travel – especially for families & dual citizens
We’ve been seeing reports in the news and on the UK Government website about new entry rules for the UK, and we wanted to flag this for anyone travelling there in future.
The UK is introducing new border checks linked to their Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
What this means in plain English:
Important disclaimer (the boring but necessary bit):
We (Julie & Saskia at Matamata Travel) ARE NOT visa or immigration specialists — this information is based on what we have read from:
news reports UK Government websites we nor anyone we are affliated with have been given any formal information on these changes - we are broadcasting this as a courtesy to our clients.
Rules can change, and every family situation is different, so if this applies to you or your children, we strongly recommend:
If you’re booked with us to travel to the UK and are unsure whether this affects you, please get in touch and we can point you in the right direction for the official info.
Better to check now than panic later.
We’ve been seeing reports in the news and on the UK Government website about new entry rules for the UK, and we wanted to flag this for anyone travelling there in future.
The UK is introducing new border checks linked to their Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
What this means in plain English:
- UK citizens with dual nationality (e.g. UK + NZ or UK + Aussie) will need to enter the UK on a UK passport.
- Children born outside the UK to UK parents who are British citizens may also now need to hold a UK passport before travelling to the UK
- Travelling only on a foreign passport may not be enough to board your flight
Important disclaimer (the boring but necessary bit):
We (Julie & Saskia at Matamata Travel) ARE NOT visa or immigration specialists — this information is based on what we have read from:
news reports UK Government websites we nor anyone we are affliated with have been given any formal information on these changes - we are broadcasting this as a courtesy to our clients.
Rules can change, and every family situation is different, so if this applies to you or your children, we strongly recommend:
- Checking your citizenship status
- Applying for a UK passport early if required - or confirming directly with official UK Government sources
If you’re booked with us to travel to the UK and are unsure whether this affects you, please get in touch and we can point you in the right direction for the official info.
Better to check now than panic later.