UK Travel Compliance for Spain/EU Executives: Dual Nationals (2026)

A significant change to UK border policies has taken effect, with real consequences for families and executives based in Europe. According to the latest UK guidance, British dual nationals must travel to the UK with a valid British or Irish passport. Alternatively, they can use a foreign passport paired with a "Certificate of Entitlement" to the Right of Abode. The certificate fee is £589.

This is highly practical for Spain. Thousands of British citizens live and work in Spain, many of whom have dual nationality due to family ties or long-term residency. The risk is not theoretical: Airlines will increasingly enforce these regulations at check-in, which could disrupt urgent business travel, family emergencies, and routine cross-border commutes.

Additionally, Parliament's research briefing notes a shift to digital certificates of entitlement on February 26, 2026. This will create confusion for corporate travelers by adding a new "digital status" layer immediately after the rule goes into effect.

At Duguech & Dip, we help Spain/EU organizations integrate travel compliance into mobility governance so border digitization does not result in missed meetings, denied boarding, or unnecessary disruption.