New travel rules have been introduced for Maltese-British dual nationals as part of a widespread update to the United Kingdom’s travel rules.
As of yesterday, 25th February 2026, the UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme for several countries, including Malta, formally came into force.
ETAs allow people to stay in the UK for up to six months visa-free. They are valid for two years or until one’s passport expires and can be used for multiple trips.
Even though it was introduced over a year ago, the UK Government said it wasn’t strictly enforced so as to give visitors ample time to adjust to the new regime.
The new rules have impacted dual nationals, who aren’t allowed to apply for an ETA.
When re-entering the UK, they must either use their British passport or obtain a certificate of entitlement to attach to their second passport. The certificate of entitlement serves as official proof of a person’s right to live in the UK, costs £589 and is valid until a passport expires.
These new rules were recently publicised by the High Commission of Malta in the UK, which warned dual Maltese-British nationals that they could be denied boarding or face delays at the border if they don’t abide by these new rules.
