Tegan van der Merwe, a British citizen who has lived in the UK for over two decades, is stranded in Spain with her two-year-old daughter after a recent passport rule change prevented their return to Manchester. The pair, who hold Dutch passports, were denied re-entry to the UK at Palma de Mallorca airport.
Van der Merwe had traveled to Spain for a five-day holiday on June 21. She had no prior indication of potential issues, having successfully traveled to Egypt the previous October with her daughter using their Dutch passports. EasyJet also encountered no problems when she booked her flights.
New Regulations for Dual Citizens
According to the Home Office, the rule change, implemented on February 25, 2026, requires all dual British citizens to present either a valid British passport or a 'Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode' when traveling to the UK. Previously, dual nationals could enter the UK using a non-British passport. The new requirement aims to align the UK's travel authorization system with those of countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Carriers are now obligated to verify that passengers attempting to enter the UK possess the correct documentation. Without it, passengers may face delays or be refused boarding. This policy applies to all British citizens, irrespective of any other nationality they hold.
Van der Merwe stated that she was informed at the airport that she and her daughter would not be allowed re-entry. The airline was unable to assist, prompting her to seek help from the British Embassy in Mallorca. Describing the experience as being "treated like criminals," she reported difficulty obtaining assistance from the consulate.
Bureaucratic Hurdles and Financial Strain
Van der Merwe explained that she was directed to obtain documents to apply for a British passport by providing a Spanish address and making photocopies of necessary paperwork, which required significant travel across Mallorca. The process of submitting the passport application forms incurred a cost of 60 Euros.
She anticipates a potential six-week wait for the passport to be issued, during which time she and her daughter are living on a limited budget, prioritizing essentials. The extended stay has also forced her to resign from her job in Manchester, as she is unable to earn income abroad. Upon their eventual return, she expects to move in with her mother.
To cover living expenses, Van der Merwe has established a GoFundMe page. She expressed distress over the situation, stating, "I'm just worrying about where the money is coming from, stressing about everything, and worrying that ultimately we could end up on the street if we don't get help." The ordeal has led her to consider renouncing her British citizenship.
The Home Office acknowledged awareness of the family's situation and stated they are actively working to facilitate their return to the UK. They reiterated the requirement for British citizens to use British passports or a Certificate of Entitlement for entry.