Cruel’ UK Passport Rule Stops Woman Visiting Dying Mother

Cruel’ Passport Rule Stops Woman Seeing Dying Mum

Published: 28 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A newly implemented UK passport and border rule has left a British dual national unable to travel home to see her dying 91‑year‑old mother, prompting criticism from family members and politicians who describe the policy as “cruel” and deeply distressing.

The woman, identified only as Annie, lives in the Netherlands and has regularly visited her elderly mother in England. Earlier this week she found herself unable to board a flight because her British passport had expired and she had been relying on her Dutch passport — which she expected would allow her to travel while her renewal application was processed. Under new Home Office rules that came into force on 25 February, dual British nationals must present a valid British passport or a costly “certificate of entitlement” before they can board a plane, ferry or train to the UK, even if they hold another nationality.

Annie said she was “shocked and devastated” to discover the change — learned only days before she planned to fly back — and said the rule had added unnecessary stress during an already painful time as her mother approaches the end of her life. “What the Home Office don’t understand is what they are doing is taking away this chance to be with my mum at the end of her life,” she said, expressing her fear that she may miss her final opportunity to see her mother alive.

Under the updated requirements, dual nationals from countries other than Ireland must show a British passport or pay £589 for a certificate of entitlement, which can take up to eight weeks to process, before boarding travel to the UK. For many British citizens living abroad with second citizenships, this has proved both financially burdensome and emotionally fraught, particularly in urgent or emergency situations.

Former Conservative cabinet minister and Brexit secretary David Davis said the situation was “unacceptable,” calling on the Home Office to introduce a grace period for those in urgent need of travel, especially to visit terminally ill relatives. Liberal Democrat spokespeople have echoed the calls for more compassionate provisions, arguing that the policy should not treat British citizens as foreigners and must ensure the “right of return” for those living overseas.

The Home Office has defended the rule change, saying the requirements were published well in advance and that carriers have discretion to accept expired British passports alongside other documents as proof of the right of abode. Officials also noted that emergency travel documents are available via consular services for urgent travel needs. However, critics say communications about the change have been insufficient, leaving many affected citizens unaware until they are faced with travel restrictions.

The case has drawn wider concern from other dual nationals and MPs, with reports emerging of honeymooners, families and others struggling to travel because of the new documentation requirements. Many are urging the government to reconsider or modify the policy to prevent further hardship and family separation amid critical personal circumstances.

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