Source: Radio New Zealand
UK High Commissioner Iona Thomas is trying to clear up confusion over changes for British and dual nationals travelling to the UK.
It comes after RNZ revealed earlier this month that from February, anyone who was born in Britain – or has citizenship there – will no longer be able to travel to the UK without a British passport.
From 25 February, people travelling to the UK will need a visa, an electronic travel authority (ETA) or a valid UK passport. What documentation travellers need depends on their nationality and the purpose of their visit.
“New Zealand nationals going to the UK for a visit will need an electronic travel authorisation. This can be applied for online,” Thomas told reporters.
“However, the UK’s ETA system only applies to non-British nationals. If you have held, or currently hold British citizenship, including if you are a dual national, you cannot use an ETA to enter the UK. You must travel on a British passport or another passport with a certificate of entitlement.”
These changes apply even for short visits.
The British High Commission said it did put out notifications last year to make people aware of the change.
“Our message is simple: check your documents early and apply well ahead to avoid travel disruption,” Thomas said.
Previously, dual citizens have been able to visit on a New Zealand passport, more recently with an ETA, an electronic online declaration costing about $37.
The British government said that was only ever meant to be a transitional measure.
Citizens of other countries said they too are affected by a similar global tightening of borders and passport rules.
If people are unsure about whether they have British citizenship, they can check online here.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
