12/02/2026
******* UK New Passport Update for Duals – 11 February 2026 *******
UK Passport & Citizenship Information
For Dual Australian / British Citizens
Effective 25 February 2026 new update 11 Feb 2026
British Travel has a proven track record in managing complex travel requirements and processes. Many clients will remember our support during the COVID border closures, where we assisted travellers with exemptions, passenger caps, and time-sensitive government restrictions.
We are once again experiencing a very high volume of enquiries due to the new UK requirements for dual Australian and British citizens.
We have extensive experience helping clients navigate official government processes — including:
• Clarifying the correct pathway
• Determining whether an application is required
• Providing official forms and government links
• Explaining when a UK passport may be required
We take it as a compliment when other travel agents refer their clients to us for this information.
However, British Travel Australia is a travel agency first and foremost. We should not be doing the job of airlines, other travel agents, or the British High Commission in explaining citizenship rules.
As a small business, providing detailed guidance on government processes requires significant time and expertise. This level of personalised support is part of the value we offer our clients.
This process is extremely time-consuming and unprofitable for our small business. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. When bookings are made online — via comparison websites or directly with airlines — advisory services and personalised assistance are simply not included.
Our clients benefit from professional guidance, experience, and ongoing support that automated booking platforms cannot provide.
This will be our final general update on UK Government passport requirements, unless new updates are received.
How to Check If You May Be British
Step 1: Do You Have an Old UK Passport?
If you have an expired UK passport:
• Locate it
• Double-check the name matches your Australian passport exactly
• If your name has changed (e.g. maiden to married), the UK Government may require you to update your Australian passport first
What if I have lost it?
You must cancel a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible:
https://www.gov.uk/report-a-lost-or-stolen-passport
You will not be able to apply for a new one until it has been officially reported.
Citizenship by Birth
Born in the UK
If you were born in the UK and your parents were born and raised in the UK, you are more than likely British.
Official information:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-born-uk
Born Outside the UK
If you were born overseas and your parent(s) were born in the UK, eligibility depends on:
• When you were born
• Whether your British parent was married
• Whether citizenship passed automatically
Start here:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-british-parent
Then select your year of birth.
Born Before 1983
If you see the word “automatically”, you are British.
Key points:
• Your father must have been British (born and raised in the UK)
• His parents must also have been born in the UK
• He must have been married to your mother at the time of your birth
If yes → You should apply for a UK passport.
If not → You may need an ETA.
If your mother was British but not your father → ETA will apply.
Born Between 1983 and 2006
If citizenship passed automatically:
• If your mother was British → You need a UK passport
• If your father was British → You need a UK passport
If your father was British and your mother was a non-UK citizen (such as Australian) and they were not married at the time of your birth → ETA.
If they were married when you were born → You are British and require a UK passport.
Born On or After 1 July 2006
If citizenship passed automatically:
• If either parent was British and legally recognised at birth → You require a UK passport.
Before Assuming You Need Extensive Paperwork
Do a test run online first:
https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports
Proceed through the application until the final page. It will show:
• Exactly what documents are required
• Whether originals are required
• Whether colour photocopies are acceptable
Common requirements include:
• Original birth certificates
• Original marriage certificates
• Original Medicare card
• Original Australian driver’s licence
• Australian passport (sometimes original, sometimes a colour photocopy of every page)
• Original expired UK passport
Read carefully — requirements differ per case. You may have to find your grandparents.
If you don’t know something, say you don’t know. Guessing does not help.
You only send documents after your identity has been confirmed.
Payment & Identity Confirmation
You must pay before you receive the address to post the application and before you confirm your identity.
It may not ask you to confirm identity — it depends on the application. Every case is different.
Identity Confirmation (Referee)
One of the most common challenges for UK passport applicants is arranging a suitable referee.
Official requirements:
https://www.gov.uk/confirm-identity-online-for-passport-application
Important:
• Referees can be retired
• They must hold a UK passport
• If they only hold an Australian passport, you must provide a photocopy of their passport photo page and send it with your documents
• Carefully check who cannot act as your referee
Sending Documents
Once your identity is confirmed:
• Log back in using your PEX number:
https://www.gov.uk/track-passport-application
• You will receive a UK postal address
• Each application must be placed in its own envelope
• Clearly write the PEX number on each envelope
• If sending multiple applications, place them inside one International Express Post envelope (approx. $46 via Australia Post)
• Write all PEX numbers on the outer envelope
• Include a short cover letter explaining the contents
The UK Passport Office will then:
• Post your new passport back via DHL
• Return your original documents separately a few days later
A Final Note
We are proud to assist clients with travel requirements. However, passport and citizenship matters are government processes.
If you value professional advice, personalised service, and support when things change, we would truly appreciate your support in booking your travel with British Travel.
We arrange holidays, flights, cruises, tours and complex itineraries all around the world — Alaska, Antarctica, Europe, USA, Canada — backed by real expertise and real people who answer the phone.
We have decided to share our knowledge for free, because this information should have been explained far more clearly from the start.
If you have found this guidance helpful, we would truly appreciate you taking a moment to leave us a review on Facebook or Google — even if it is only about the passport advice.
And feel free to like and share this post — because this is how the UK Government should have explained it in the first place, instead of burying it in confusing wording and fine print.
Jennie and the team
British Travel Australia
Other travel agents are welcome to share this information — however, it must not be copied or reposted without clear credit to British Travel Australia.
Copyright British Travel Australia
Report and cancel a lost or stolen passport.
