Travel insurers are warning Australians heading to the UK that insurance does not fix passport errors, after a growing number of dual Australian-British citizens were impacted by the required use of UK passports under the new UK ETA rules.
With travellers discovering too late that they must enter the UK on a valid British passport, insurers say cancelled flights and accommodation costs are typically not covered when documentation is incorrect or expired. However, there are circumstances in which passports may be covered by travel insurance, such as accidental loss or damage.
A growing number of travellers have claimed that the new rules are disrupting their travel plans, with some forced to cancel or postpone trips after discovering their passports were no longer valid.
Comparetravelinsurance.com.au director Natalie Ball said the ETA changes have highlighted how quickly entry rule changes can affect travellers and the importance of early passport checks.
“This could be the ultimate holiday spoiler for Aussie-Brits. For those who missed the memo and let their British passport quietly expire, you might find your holiday ends, before it begins, turning an exciting trip into a costly lesson,” Ball said.
When applying from Australia a British passport application can take several weeks or longer, particularly during peak travel periods or where further checks are required. Delays are common, and expedited processing options are limited when applying from outside the UK.
Ball says being organised and allowing for delays is essential.
“Obtaining a new British passport from overseas can be a time-consuming process. Applicants typically need to submit proof of citizenship, identity documents, photographs that meet strict specifications, and in some cases additional supporting paperwork. Renewals should be treated as an early planning step, not a last-minute task,” she says.
Travellers caught short
ATIA’s Dean Long said that while there had been plenty of notice, some travellers had still been caught short.
“The UK Government first announced these passport changes in May 2025 and reinforced the requirements publicly again in November 2025. However, while this is not a sudden or unexpected development, it is clear there are still travellers being caught out by the changes,” he said.
“Since those announcements, ATIA has been working closely with the Home Office, Consular Representatives and VisitBritain to pass on feedback from our members about the lack of awareness and frontline impact.”
Check insurances
Ball said it is important for advisors and travellers to understand where insurance cover applies, and where it doesn’t.
“Travel insurance isn’t designed to fix documentation issues,” she added. “If a passport has expired or hasn’t been renewed in time, any resulting costs, such as cancelled flights or accommodation, are typically the travellers’ responsibility.
“Where insurance can help is when things go wrong overseas. For example, if your passport is lost, stolen or damaged while you’re overseas, insurance can help with emergency passport replacement costs, additional travel and accommodation, and some related expenses. Cover limits can differ, so always review your specific policy.”
Check expiry limits for destinations
Ball says that travellers should also check their passport expiry dates well beyond their return dates.
“Many destinations require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of return, so travellers are advised to check their passport expiry well in advance of departure,” Ball said. “Travellers should also confirm entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including any transit stops, as these rules are enforced before boarding and not something insurance can resolve.”
As with many countries in Europe, a UK, Canada and US move to digital travel authorisation means dual nationals, and anyone travelling overseas, now need to ensure they know which passport is required for entry, along with any electronic authorisations required.
Presenting the wrong passport or not possessing the correct entry authorisation can lead to blocked check-in or denied entry. Planning ahead ensures you avoid last-minute delays or being denied boarding.
