The February 25, 2026 date is a hard deadline. Before that date, dual nationals can still enter using their non-British passport if their British passport is expired or unavailable. After that date, border officials will refuse entry if you present only a non-British document. This creates a real window for action: if you are a dual national and your British passport is expired, expiring soon, or lost, you need to renew or replace it now.
Processing times for British passport renewal are currently 6–8 weeks for standard applications submitted online through the UK Passport Service. If you apply by post, add another week or two. Expedited processing exists—the "Fast Track" service processes applications in 1 week—but costs an additional £128 on top of the standard £88.50 renewal fee for an adult passport (as of 2025). If your passport was lost or stolen, you must apply for a replacement, which follows the same timeline and fee structure. Renewals for children cost £58.50 standard or £186.50 with Fast Track.
To renew, you will need to apply online at gov.uk/renew-adult-passport. You'll need your old passport, a digital photo that meets UK Passport Service standards, and a debit or credit card. If your passport was lost or stolen, you cannot renew online; you must apply by post or in person at a passport office, which takes longer. If your passport was damaged, you can renew online. The entire process is handled by the UK Passport Service, which is part of the Home Office.
One critical detail: if your British passport expired more than 9 years ago, you cannot renew it online. You must apply by post or visit a passport office in person. This is a common trap for expats who have been abroad for years and haven't used their British passport. If this applies to you, start now—postal applications take 4–6 weeks, and passport office appointments can be weeks away.
Another trap: if you have changed your name since your last passport was issued, or if you have a criminal conviction, you may not be able to renew online. You'll need to apply by post or in person. Similarly, if your passport was issued when you were under 16, you cannot renew it online as an adult; you must apply in person or by post.
For dual nationals living abroad, the UK Passport Service can process applications from overseas. You can apply online from anywhere with an internet connection. If you need to submit documents by post, you can mail them to the UK Passport Service at their processing center in Durham, England. Turnaround times are the same whether you live in London or Lima.
The practical implication for expats is this: if you are a British dual national living outside the UK and you want to visit family, take a job, or move back, you must have a valid British passport from February 25, 2026 onward. If your passport expires in 2026 or 2027, renew it now. If it expired years ago, renew it now. If you have lost it, apply for a replacement now. Do not wait until January 2026 when the passport office will be overwhelmed with last-minute applications.
If you hold a British passport that is currently valid and won't expire until 2027 or later, you have more time, but it is still wise to check the expiration date and plan ahead. Passport offices can become backlogged, especially in the months before a deadline. The UK Passport Service has warned that processing times may increase as the February 2026 date approaches.
One more scenario: if you are a British dual national who has never held a British passport—for example, if you were born abroad to a British parent and have only ever held your other nationality's passport—you will need to apply for a British passport for the first time. This is not a renewal; it is an application for a first passport. The process is more involved and requires proof of British citizenship, such as a birth certificate and your parent's British passport. This can take 8–12 weeks. If you fall into this category, contact the UK Passport Service or your nearest British embassy or consulate immediately to understand what documents you need and how long the process will take.
At the border itself, the change is simple: present your British passport, not your other passport. UK border officials will check your British passport against their systems. If you are a British citizen, you have the right to enter the UK. If your British passport is valid and you present it, entry will be granted (assuming you have no other immigration issues, such as a criminal conviction that bars entry). If you present a non-British passport after February 25, 2026, you will be refused entry, even if that passport is valid and would normally grant you visa-free access to the UK.
For those who travel frequently between the UK and another country, this means carrying two passports. This is normal and legal. Many dual nationals already do this. You can carry both your British passport and your other passport. When entering the UK, use the British one. When entering your other country, use that passport. Airlines and border officials expect this.
The deadline is firm. The UK government has announced this change clearly, and there is no indication it will be delayed or reversed. If you are a British dual national, treat February 25, 2026 as a hard cutoff. After that date, a non-British passport will not get you into the UK, no matter how valid it is or how many times you have used it to enter before.
