Reform leader also tells US event Europe should have ‘more sensible view’ of president’s administration

Reform leader also tells US event Europe should have ‘more sensible view’ of president’s administration

Irish citizens residing in Aotearoa New Zealand are experiencing significant delays in obtaining passports, a situation exacerbated by new British border regulations and the ongoing effects of Brexit.

#BIFA has appointed Richard Catt as regional representative for Kent and East Sussex, strengthening local support for #freightforwarding and #customsbrokerage members navigating ongoing #UKborder process changes across a strategically critical #logistics corridor.

Migrants have reached the United Kingdom after crossing the English Channel for the first time in two weeks, according to reports and official data. On Wednesday, people wearing life jackets and coats were seen disembarking from a Border Force vessel in Ramsgate, Kent, following a period of poor weather that had prevented attempted crossings. A temporary improvement in conditions is believed to have enabled several small boats to set off from northern France. Home Office figures indicate that 74 migrants arrived on Tuesday, marking the first successful crossing since 9 February, when 322 people reached UK shores. In total, 597 people have crossed the Channel so far this month. The latest arrivals come amid continued political and public debate over the handling of small boat crossings and border security. The renewed crossings follow the publication of findings from an independent inquiry into the deadliest Channel incident on record. The investigation examined the capsizing of an overcrowded inflatable boat on the night of 23–24 November 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 27 men, women and children. Four additional people remain missing. Only two survivors were discovered in French waters nearly 12 hours after the first distress calls were made. Led by Sir Ross Cranston and costing more than £7 million, the inquiry concluded that some of the deaths were avoidable. It identified systemic failures, missed opportunities and chronic staff shortages in the UK’s maritime response as contributing factors in the unsuccessful rescue effort. The report stated that small boat crossings 'must end' to prevent further loss of life, underscoring ongoing concerns about safety, coordination and border management in the Channel.

British dual nationals who do not hold a valid British passport may be denied entry to the United Kingdom starting 25 February 2026, as the government begins enforcing its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. Under the new rules, dual nationals will no longer be able to travel to the UK using only a foreign passport. Instead, they must present either a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, which costs £589. Without one of these documents, airlines, ferry operators, and train companies may refuse boarding. Although British and Irish citizens are exempt from applying for an ETA, transport carriers are now required to verify that passengers have appropriate documentation before departure. Since British citizens are not eligible to apply for an ETA or visa, dual nationals must prove their right to enter the UK through official British documentation. Previously, dual nationals could travel on a foreign passport alone, though they sometimes faced delays while Border Force officers confirmed their citizenship status. The Home Office has stated that it has been advising dual nationals since October 2024 to ensure they have the correct documents. Applying for a British passport costs £94.50, significantly less than the Certificate of Entitlement. Those who already possess a physical certificate will receive a digital version but must create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to link it to their foreign passport. The ETA scheme, which costs £16 and will eventually rise to £20, is part of the government’s plan to create a fully digital and more secure border system. It allows multiple visits of up to six months over a two-year period. The system is similar to the European Union’s planned ETIAS travel authorisation framework.

The UK is enforcing its digital travel policy, meaning that non-visa nationals who enter the UK without an ETA will be barred from entry.

The UK is enforcing its digital travel policy, meaning that non-visa nationals who enter the UK without an ETA will be barred from entry.

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