07/06/2026
Distance families: When the rules change Distance Families with Helen Ellis
On 25 February 2026, significant changes came into effect for travellers entering the United Kingdom. At first, many people - me included - thought the announcements must be wrong.
At the straightforward end, the UK introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (similar to the ESTA system used by the United States). It’s an online process, usually approved quickly and entirely electronic. Once approved, you don’t have to do anything else.
But alongside this, another rule has caught many dual citizens by surprise. If you were born in the UK — or are entitled to UK citizenship through a parent, even if you have never applied - you are expected to enter the country on a UK passport. Travelling on a New Zealand passport, as you might have done for decades, is no longer acceptable in those circumstances.
My father was born in the UK and I was born in New Zealand, which means I automatically hold dual UK/New Zealand citizenship. I previously had a UK passport but haven’t held a current one for many years. For all visits to the UK I have used my New Zealand passport.
Now, if I want to continue visiting family in Britain, I need to apply for a new UK passport and use it when I enter the country. There are no shortcuts. Importantly, your New Zealand passport must accompany the application — original, not a photocopy — and during that time, you can’t travel internationally.
For families like mine, with loved ones spread across the globe, that feels unsettling.
The lesson? Plan carefully when submitting your UK passport application and being “passport-less”. Don’t leave it until the last minute, and ensure your application is correct. For official advice visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-guide-for-dual-citizens
Helen Ellis is a Hobsonville Point researcher, anthropologist and veteran of Distance Parenting & Grandparenting. Helen is the Founder of DistanceFamilies.com and author of ‘Being a Distance Grandparent’, ‘Being a Distance Son or Daughter’ and her latest edition, ‘Being a Distance Grandchild’.
