Tegan van der Merwe, a British citizen who has lived in the UK for over 20 years, and her two-year-old daughter have been stranded in Spain since June 26 due to a recent change in UK passport regulations. The pair, who hold Dutch passports, were denied re-entry to the UK after a five-day holiday in Palma de Mallorca.
Previously, dual citizens could enter the UK using a non-British passport. However, a rule change implemented in February requires all individuals traveling to the UK to present either a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode. This new requirement, known as the ETA conflict for dual nationals, has created difficulties for those who have settled status in the UK but do not possess a British passport and cannot obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Ms. van der Merwe stated that she had no issues booking flights with EasyJet and had previously traveled to Egypt with her daughter without incident. Upon attempting to return to Manchester, airport staff informed them they would not be allowed re-entry. "We were waved away by airport staff," she told the Daily Mail. "They were coldly told at immigration that they would not be allowed re-entry to the UK."
The stranded mother and daughter are currently staying in a budget apartment in Magaluf, relying on funds raised through a GoFundMe page. Ms. van der Merwe has had to quit her job and give up her rented home in Manchester as she cannot earn income while abroad.
Ms. van der Merwe sought assistance from the British Embassy in Mallorca but reported a lack of helpfulness. "The consulate wouldn't even open the door," she said. "I was told to speak to someone over the phone and put a Spanish address to get documents to apply for a British passport sent to me."
The process of applying for a British passport from abroad has been cumbersome, involving finding facilities to make photocopies and incurring additional costs. Ms. van der Merwe estimates she could be stranded for up to six weeks while awaiting the passport. The situation has caused significant stress, leaving her concerned about finances and the safety of her current accommodation. The ordeal has led her to consider renouncing her British citizenship.
A Home Office spokesperson acknowledged awareness of the family's situation and stated they are actively working to facilitate their return to the UK. The spokesperson reiterated that since February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens must present a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when traveling to the UK, a requirement now aligned with policies in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Carriers are unable to verify British citizenship without these documents, potentially leading to refused boarding or delays.