New Passport Rules Introduced in February 2026: What They Mean for Families and Child Travel

In February 2026, the UK introduced new passport requirements as part of the rollout of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) border system.

While the changes are primarily aimed at modernising border security, they also have important implications for families, particularly those with children who hold dual nationality, live abroad, or travel internationally to spend time with a parent. For separated parents managing child arrangements across borders, these changes may create practical and legal issues around passports, travel permissions and parental consent. Family law solicitors can help parents understand their rights and resolve disputes so that children can continue travelling without disruption

The February 2026 Passport Rule Changes Explained

From 25 February 2026, British citizens who hold dual nationality must now enter the UK using a British passport.

Previously, many British dual nationals were able to travel to the UK using a foreign passport alone. Under the new rules, this is no longer permitted.

British citizens entering the UK must now present one of the following:

• A valid British passport
• A valid Irish passport
• A foreign passport that includes a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode

Airlines and transport operators now check travel documentation before passengers board, meaning travellers who do not have the correct documents may be refused boarding.

This forms part of the government’s wider move towards a digital “permission to travel” system, where entry clearance is verified before departure.

How the New Rules Affect Children

Importantly, the new requirements apply equally to children.

If a child is a British citizen, or entitled to British citizenship, they must also travel to the UK using a British passport.

This may affect:

• Children born abroad to British parents
• Children with dual nationality
• Families living overseas who visit the UK regularly
• Children travelling internationally under shared parenting arrangements

Each child must have their own valid passport, and airlines will check each passenger’s documentation individually. If a child who is entitled to British citizenship has not yet been issued with a British passport, travel plans may need to be postponed until the passport is obtained.

Why the Changes Matter for Separated Parents

For many separated families, international travel forms an important part of a child’s routine.

Children may travel to spend school holidays with a parent who lives abroad, visit extended family members, or move between countries as part of agreed parenting arrangements.

The new passport rules mean that documentation issues could potentially disrupt these arrangements if they are not addressed in advance. This is where family law advice can be particularly valuable, especially where parents disagree about passport applications or travel arrangements.

Child Passport Disputes: When Parents Cannot Agree

In the UK, a child’s passport application usually requires the consent of everyone who has parental responsibility.

Disagreements can arise where:

• One parent refuses to consent to a passport application
• Parents disagree about obtaining a British passport for a dual national child
• A passport is needed urgently for travel
• A parent is concerned about international travel or relocation

If agreement cannot be reached, a parent may need to apply to the family court for a Specific Issue Order allowing the passport to be issued.

Family law solicitors can advise on the best course of action and guide parents through the court process where necessary.

The court’s decision will always be based on the child’s best interests, including the importance of maintaining relationships with both parents.

International Child Arrangements and Travel

Many child arrangements involve a child travelling abroad to spend time with a parent.

The new passport requirements mean parents may need to ensure that children have the correct nationality documentation in place well before travel is planned.

Family law solicitors can assist by:

• Reviewing child arrangements orders to ensure international travel provisions remain workable
• Advising on passport requirements and parental consent for travel
• Helping parents update agreements to avoid disputes
• Resolving disagreements about holiday travel

Taking early legal advice can help avoid situations where contact visits are disrupted because a child does not have the correct passport.

International Relocation and Dual Nationality

Families planning to relocate internationally should also consider the passport rules carefully.

Children born overseas to British parents may automatically acquire British citizenship, but that citizenship must be properly documented if the child intends to travel to the UK.

Family law solicitors can advise on:

• A child’s citizenship and passport status
• Legal requirements for relocating abroad with a child
• Obtaining the necessary court permission for international relocation

Addressing these issues early can prevent complications later if the child needs to travel between countries.

Urgent Travel and Emergency Situations

Occasionally families may need to arrange travel at short notice due to:

• Family emergencies
• Medical situations
• Court proceedings
• Unexpected changes to contact arrangements

If a passport has not yet been issued, or one parent refuses consent, it may be necessary to seek urgent legal advice.

Family law solicitors can assist with urgent court applications where appropriate to ensure that a child’s travel arrangements can proceed.

How Family Law Solicitors Can Help

Changes to travel rules can sometimes expose underlying disagreements between parents about passports, travel, or international arrangements.

A family law solicitor can help by:

• Advising on child passport applications and parental responsibility
• Resolving passport disputes between parents
• Applying to court for Specific Issue Orders where consent is refused
• Advising on international child arrangements
• Assisting with international relocation cases
• Helping parents prevent travel disruption and future disputes

Early legal advice can often resolve issues quickly and avoid the need for court proceedings.

How We Can Support You

The introduction of the February 2026 passport rules has created new considerations for families who travel internationally, particularly where children hold dual nationality or move between parents in different countries. Our Family team has long‑standing experience advising parents on the practical and legal steps needed to ensure children can travel safely and without unnecessary disruption.

We regularly assist with issues involving children’s passports, parental consent, Specific Issue Orders and international arrangements, and we understand how these matters fit within the wider picture of a child’s welfare and day‑to‑day routine.

If you would like to understand how the new rules may affect your family, or if you need guidance on planning or updating arrangements involving international travel, further information is available on our Children and Child Arrangements page. You are also welcome to contact our Family team for tailored advice.

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