LumenDoes the UK allow dual citizenship, or do I have to give up my other nationality?
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Yes. The Home Office says dual citizenship is allowed in the UK: you can be a British citizen and a citizen of other countries, and you do not need to apply for it. The UK does not ask you to give up your other nationality, but many countries do not accept dual citizenship, so check your other country's law.
Key facts
| What | The Home Office guidance says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Is dual citizenship allowed? | Yes, you can be a British citizen and also a citizen of other countries | GOV.UK, Dual citizenship |
| Do you need to apply for it? | No | GOV.UK, Dual citizenship |
| Will you lose your other nationality? | Depends on that country: many countries do not accept dual citizenship | GOV.UK, Dual citizenship |
| Consular help | None from the UK while you are in your other country of citizenship | GOV.UK, Travelling abroad |
| Entering the UK | Valid UK or Irish passport, or a certificate of entitlement | GOV.UK, Travelling to the UK |
| ETA | British or Irish dual citizens cannot get one | GOV.UK, Travelling to the UK |
The UK side
The Home Office guidance says dual citizenship (dual nationality) is allowed in the UK, and you do not need to apply for it. The UK side is settled; the question is whether your other country lets you keep its nationality.
The other country’s side
GOV.UK says many countries do not accept dual citizenship, and tells you to check with that country’s consulate or embassy in the UK. Some countries also give a married person their partner’s nationality automatically, or give children a parent’s nationality even when born abroad.
Travel as a dual national
- Consular help. In the other country where you are a citizen, you cannot get diplomatic help from the British government. GOV.UK’s example: a British and French citizen cannot get UK diplomatic help in France.
- Coming to the UK. Use a valid UK or Irish passport or a certificate of entitlement. British or Irish dual citizens cannot get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). Your carrier may accept an expired UK passport issued in 1989 or later together with a valid passport of an ETA-eligible nationality; that is the carrier’s decision.
- Former EU Settlement Scheme holders. If you became British after settling under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can travel to the UK with your other passport or an EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland national ID card. Before travelling, check your eVisa and update your UKVI account if the document has changed.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Dual citizenship (Home Office) checked 2026-10-25
Change history
- : Page created
This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.