New UK passport rules taking effect tomorrow (UK time) could disrupt travel for British dual citizens, but Reho Travel CEO Karsten Horne says agents should stay calm and act early.
Dual citizens – many of whom live in Australia – may face disruption when re-entering the UK under changes requiring them to travel on a valid UK passport or a foreign passport accompanied by a certificate of entitlement confirming right of abode. Both options involve significant time and cost, with many travellers only becoming aware of the requirement earlier this year.
As previously reported by Travel Weekly, the impact on Australian residents has been significant, with some missing long-planned trips worth tens of thousands of dollars.
To further complicate matters, the UK has partially backtracked, saying British and Irish dual nationals may be able to enter the country using an expired British passport alongside a valid second passport under temporary measures – but only at the discretion of airlines and other carriers, which have not been specified.
Horne, who has British heritage, realised early this year that he would need to apply for a UK passport.
“I’ve got older relatives in the UK,” he told Travel Weekly. “ I thought to myself, what if I had to go in a hurry?”
After realising his UK passport had expired, he applied for a new one.
“Even if it takes six weeks, whatever, I thought at least I’ve got it there [in the case of an emergency,” he said.
The process was surprisingly “quick” and “simple” Horne said.
“The application was done on the 25th of January, and I got it last week.” he said in terms of timeline.
Whilst Australians are understandably anxious about sending off their passports to the other side of the world, Horne said there is a way around this.
“You can photocopy every page,” and then send it off, he said.
He recommends other agents don’t panic and get their clients to complete the process early.
“We sent a newsletter an hour after the announcement. We thought there would be a lot of clients affected,” he said.
Getting the passport was the best solution for most of their clients, he said, adding that it hadn’t really impacted travel as of yet.
“We haven’t had a lot of clients cancelling their trips. I think it’s because there’s still a few months to the summer season.”
Most impacted clients applied for a new passport a few weeks back, he said.
When asked what his advice for other agents is, Horne was straightforward “No dramas, trust the process.”
From early February, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has been working to support agents navigating the changes, praising members for their professionalism amid widespread confusion and low traveller awareness.
ATIA said it had engaged directly with the UK Home Office, consular representatives and VisitBritain, as well as reviewed advice from the British High Commission in Canberra, to provide clear guidance to members.
Ongoing gaps in consumer awareness have placed additional pressure on frontline travel teams, with agents managing complex and sometimes uncertain conversations with affected clients.
To assist members, ATIA has published a dedicated guidance hub on its website, including practical FAQs and official resources that can be shared directly with travellers. The information will be updated as further clarity emerges.
ATIA CEO Dean Long said the association’s role was to ensure members received clear, practical advice during evolving situations.
“ATIA’s role is to be there for our members when issues like this arise, ensuring we have the right conversations at the highest levels and turn that into guidance travel businesses can rely on,” Long said.
“We know this situation has created challenges for travel businesses, particularly where traveller awareness has lagged behind policy changes.
“I want to thank our members for the professionalism they’ve shown in managing these conversations and the care they continue to take in supporting travellers while clarity continues to emerge.”
Members are encouraged to refer to the ATIA Member Portal for the latest guidance.
Have you got views or insight on the UK passport changes? Contact sofia@travelweekly.com.au.
