An Aberdeenshire family’s holiday ended in confusion and distress after their 10-month-old baby was reportedly refused boarding on a flight back to Scotland from Alicante under newly introduced UK border rules for dual nationals.Sarah Rodgers, her husband Philip, and their two young children had been on a short trip to Spain when they attempted to return home on a Ryanair flight. However, at the departure gate, Sarah and her baby daughter Lily were stopped and told they could not fly.Dual nationality complication under new rulesLily, who was born in Scotland and holds both British and Austrian nationality, was said to be ineligible to board because she did not have a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode.Under new rules introduced in February 2026, dual British nationals must present either a valid British passport or the special certificate—costing £589—to enter the UK. Without either document, airlines are required to deny boarding.Although the family believed Lily could travel using her Austrian passport, they were told this was no longer sufficient.Confusion at the airport and failed ETA attemptThe family first learned of the issue at the airport gate. The following day, they visited the British Embassy in Alicante and were advised to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), but their application was rejected.Officials later clarified that dual British nationals are not eligible for an ETA and must instead hold the correct British documentation.Stranded and facing weeks of delayWith no immediate way to return to Scotland, the family paid for an additional night in Alicante before travelling to Austria to stay with relatives.They have since applied for a British passport for Lily, but processing times could take up to ten weeks. The family says they are also constrained by Schengen visa limits, making it difficult to remain in Europe long-term.Sarah described the situation as “shocking” and said it felt unbelievable that her British-born child could be refused entry to the UK.Government response and travel rule defenceThe Home Office said the rule—effective from 25 February 2026—requires all dual British citizens to present either a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK.Officials stated that airlines cannot verify citizenship without the correct documents and may refuse boarding if they are not presented. They added that information about the change has been publicly available since 2024 and promoted through a wider travel documentation campaign.Wider concerns over communication and impactCritics argue the rule has not been clearly communicated to families, particularly those living abroad. Campaigners say cases like this show gaps in awareness that can leave British citizens stranded or separated from their families.In the meantime, the Aberdeen family remains abroad, waiting for documentation that will allow them to return home.
