Dual passport holder entering UK on foreign passport
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
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Posts: 166
Dual passport holder entering UK on foreign passport
I'm a dual UK/Israeli passport holder living abroad. I have a need to be in the UK for about 2 weeks, in order to give my UK passport to the US embassy for a visa. I won't have it for 5-10 business days (have to assume 10). I would like to leave and come back to the UK during this time.
Will I be able to enter the UK on my Israeli passport? If so, should I tell them I'm a UK citizen? Only if they ask?
I would only be in the UK less than two weeks, so not worried about visa length of stay etc if entering on the Israeli passport.
I understand that, unlike the US, there's no law requiring a UK citizen to enter on their UK passport, but the whole thing seems sketchy to me.
Any advice is appreciated.
Will I be able to enter the UK on my Israeli passport? If so, should I tell them I'm a UK citizen? Only if they ask?
I would only be in the UK less than two weeks, so not worried about visa length of stay etc if entering on the Israeli passport.
I understand that, unlike the US, there's no law requiring a UK citizen to enter on their UK passport, but the whole thing seems sketchy to me.
Any advice is appreciated.
#4
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LHR/ATH
Programs: Amex Platinum, LH SEN (Gold), BA Bronze
Posts: 4,489
I'm a dual UK/Israeli passport holder living abroad. I have a need to be in the UK for about 2 weeks, in order to give my UK passport to the US embassy for a visa. I won't have it for 5-10 business days (have to assume 10). I would like to leave and come back to the UK during this time.
Will I be able to enter the UK on my Israeli passport? If so, should I tell them I'm a UK citizen? Only if they ask?
I would only be in the UK less than two weeks, so not worried about visa length of stay etc if entering on the Israeli passport.
I understand that, unlike the US, there's no law requiring a UK citizen to enter on their UK passport, but the whole thing seems sketchy to me.
Any advice is appreciated.
Will I be able to enter the UK on my Israeli passport? If so, should I tell them I'm a UK citizen? Only if they ask?
I would only be in the UK less than two weeks, so not worried about visa length of stay etc if entering on the Israeli passport.
I understand that, unlike the US, there's no law requiring a UK citizen to enter on their UK passport, but the whole thing seems sketchy to me.
Any advice is appreciated.
If I were you and travel so often, I would make sure I have 2 UK passports, so I can have one sitting at the embassy and the other to travel with.
In my case, because I am only a UK citizen, this would be my only option anyway!
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 166
I looked into this, but it seems you need a company to sponsor you and have a regular travel pattern where it makes sense to have a 2nd passport. This is very much a one time thing for me, so don't think I can do that.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2016
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If you have a valid reason to be traveling so much that you need 2 passports, you can ask them to give you another one. Travelling isn't only for company reasons. Mind you, you have to issue both passports at the same time I believe and return both passports when you decide to renew if I remember correctly.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
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Posts: 166
If you have a valid reason to be traveling so much that you need 2 passports, you can ask them to give you another one. Travelling isn't only for company reasons. Mind you, you have to issue both passports at the same time I believe and return both passports when you decide to renew if I remember correctly.
#8
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: BAEC Gold, LH M&M Member
Posts: 2,705
First of all, if you are a British Citizen, you cannot be prevented from entering the UK. (Sure, there might be some extra checks so they are satisfied you are who you say you are, but they cannot refuse entry).
Secondly, I don't think there is any prohibition on entering using your Israeli passport, but one route you might explore is the "Certificate of Entitlement" which can be affixed in your Israeli Passport declaring you have the right of abode in the UK.
(This route can be taken if, for example, a person becomes a naturalised British Citizen but doesn't want to apply for a UK passport).
Personally, I'd be tempted just to wing it if you're allowed entry on your Israeli passport anyway. If you're asked, just be honest - passport is at the embassy for a visa.
Secondly, I don't think there is any prohibition on entering using your Israeli passport, but one route you might explore is the "Certificate of Entitlement" which can be affixed in your Israeli Passport declaring you have the right of abode in the UK.
(This route can be taken if, for example, a person becomes a naturalised British Citizen but doesn't want to apply for a UK passport).
Personally, I'd be tempted just to wing it if you're allowed entry on your Israeli passport anyway. If you're asked, just be honest - passport is at the embassy for a visa.
#9
Join Date: Jul 2011
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Posts: 2,705
This might be useful for you (if we're not over-egging the situation...)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigrat...quirementleave
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigrat...quirementleave
#10
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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Dual citizenship is recognised by the UK government and it's quite OK to enter the UK on an Israeli passport without further explanation being given. In the unlikely event of the BF officer asking about it, then a full and honest answer is best, and having a passport in the US embassy for a visa sounds like a very good explanation to me.
It's not at all unusual. Until the e-gates came in there were many dual citizens who undusted their other passports if the non EEA queues looked shorter at primarily shorthaul airports like STN, LGW and LCY.
It's not at all unusual. Until the e-gates came in there were many dual citizens who undusted their other passports if the non EEA queues looked shorter at primarily shorthaul airports like STN, LGW and LCY.
#13
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
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Dual citizenship is recognised by the UK government and it's quite OK to enter the UK on an Israeli passport without further explanation being given. In the unlikely event of the BF officer asking about it, then a full and honest answer is best, and having a passport in the US embassy for a visa sounds like a very good explanation to me.
It's not at all unusual. Until the e-gates came in there were many dual citizens who undusted their other passports if the non EEA queues looked shorter at primarily shorthaul airports like STN, LGW and LCY.
It's not at all unusual. Until the e-gates came in there were many dual citizens who undusted their other passports if the non EEA queues looked shorter at primarily shorthaul airports like STN, LGW and LCY.
#14
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 70
This is not generally an issue for dual nationals. The only caution that usually applies is that you cannot expect consular protection from the second nation while in a nation for which you are also a national as most countries will treat multinationals as if they hold no other citizenship except their host nationality.
As I said, it's not usually an issue. It would be more applicable if you were say a Chinese-American dual national trying to claim American consular protection in China.
As I said, it's not usually an issue. It would be more applicable if you were say a Chinese-American dual national trying to claim American consular protection in China.
#15
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