What is the ‘Dublin dodge’ and why will it help dual nationals?

WorldTravel
26 Mar 2026 • 5:25 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, mandatory from 25 February 2026, has caused stress for tens of thousands of British dual nationals trying to enter the country.
  • Dual nationals are advised they cannot use an ETA on their non-British passport and must obtain a UK passport or a £589 certificate of entitlement, leading to travel difficulties.
  • The Independent has revealed a workaround, dubbed the 'Dublin Dodge', which involves flying to Dublin and then travelling overland to Northern Ireland via the Common Travel Area (CTA).
  • This method allows British citizens to enter the UK without needing an ETA or a British passport, as there are no routine frontier checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
  • While legally permissible, immigration experts caution that ad hoc checks can still occur, and they would generally advise obtaining official British travel documents where possible.

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