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Right of Abode: British Nationals Abroad

Asked by Ben ColemanLabourHome OfficeTabled Answered 3 June 2026UIN 5227

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that British citizens exercising their right of abode are not prevented from returning to the UK due to carrier enforcement of pre-departure checks.

Answered by Mike Tapp

We recognise that the enforcement of ETAs by carriers is a significant change, and so we have taken steps including the provision of additional temporary guidance on possible alternative documentation, and have put in place around the clock support for carriers to respond to these changes. The Member may wish to refer to the Written Ministerial Statement issued on 25 February for further detail. Individuals who have previously had a British passport can apply for an emergency travel document if they urgently need to enter the UK. That notwithstanding, to minimise the risk of disruption, we would always encourage British nationals to travel on a valid British passport where able.

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