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Citizens of Britain and Ireland are exempt from needing an ETA for travel purposes.
Recently, the UK government announced that certain airlines might permit British expatriates to fly using both an expired UK passport and a current Australian passport.
The government clarified in a website update, “The personal details on both passports must be identical.”
They further emphasized, “Ultimately, the decision lies with the airline as to whether they will allow you to travel.”
The exact date of when this update appeared on the UK government’s website remains unknown.
This advice is incongruent with the warnings issued to dual citizens ahead of tomorrow’s changes.
Earlier this week, the British High Commission told travellers dual British–Australian and British–Irish citizens must travel with a valid British passport, a valid Irish passport or another passport with a certificate of entitlement (right of abode).
“If you can’t show one of these documents at check-in, you may be denied boarding,” the High Commission warned.
The conflicting information has caused mass confusion among expats hoping to visit home after tomorrow.
The HM Passport Office recommends people do not book travel or apply for visas until they have their British passport.
A standard passport is £108 ($215) for an adult, and £70 ($138) for a child, plus a £19.86 ($38) courier fee.
Nine.com.au has contacted the British High Commission for comment.
What is a certificate of entitlement?
A certificate of entitlement can be used instead of a British passport and is proof of your right to dwell in the UK.
Importantly, you cannot get a certificate if you already have a British passport or a valid certificate of entitlement in another foreign passport.
It will cost £589 (approx. $1163) for anyone applying outside the UK and it can take around three weeks for your application to be approved.
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