Immigration Corner | Under what circumstances can a person have dual citizenship?

Dear Mr. Bassie,

I would like to know under what circumstances is dual citizenship allowed in the United Kingdom. Any advice would be welcomed.

E.M.

Dear E.M.,

Please note that dual citizenship, which is also known as dual nationality, is allowed in the United Kingdom (UK). This means that a person can be a British citizen and also a citizen of other countries. It should be further noted that persons do not need to apply for dual citizenship. They can apply for foreign citizenship and keep their British citizenship.

However, many countries do not accept dual citizenship. So those persons wishing to hold dual citizenship with a country should check with the country’s consulate or embassy in the UK to find out about that country’s laws on dual nationality.

Travelling from the UK

As a dual national, persons cannot get diplomatic help from the British government when they are in the other country where they hold citizenship.

For example, if a person holds both British and France citizenship he/she cannot get diplomatic help from the UK when they are in France.

Travelling to the UK

As a dual national, persons must travel to the UK using either a valid UK passport or Irish passport or any other valid passport with a certificate of entitlement. Persons can apply for a passport or certificate of entitlement if they need one. It should be noted that they will not be able to travel without one of these documents. Also, persons cannot obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) if they are a British or Irish dual citizen. If travelling before February 25, 2026 and the person has a valid passport for a nationality that can get an ETA, he/she can use it to travel to the UK without an ETA or a certificate of entitlement.

Dual citizenship, marriage and children

Please be aware that a person does not automatically become a British citizen when he/she marries a person from the UK. Those persons will need to apply as the spouse of a British citizen.

However, please note that in some countries, a married person is automatically counted as having their partner’s nationality. Children may also automatically have a parent’s nationality even if they were born abroad. The applicant should check with the country’s consulate or high commission in the UK to find out about that country’s laws on dual nationality.

Just for completeness, if persons want to get British citizenship while in the UK, they should check on how to apply with respect to their own particular situation.

I hope this helps.

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator, the past global president of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com