United Kingdom - Passport & Nationality - Dual Nationality

There are FIVE forms of British Nationality, so each category should be looked at before a general rule applies.

The most common form of British Nationality is British Citizenship, and the UK allows Dual Nationality with this form of nationality. To read more about each specific form of British Nationality:

• British Citizen
• British Protected Person (BPP)
• British Overseas Citizen (BOC)
• British National Overseas (BNO)
• British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC)

Many countries will not let you have two nationalities (commonly known as Dual Nationality). If you become a British citizen and are a national of a country which does not allow dual nationality, the authorities of that country may either regard you as having lost that nationality or may refuse to recognise your new nationality. Before you apply for British citizenship you may wish to check what your position would be with the authorities of the country of which you are a citizen.

You will not normally lose your British nationality if you become a citizen or national of another country. If you are a British subject otherwise than by connection with the Republic of Ireland you will lose that status on acquiring any other nationality or citizenship. If you are a British Protected Person you will lose that status on acquiring any other nationality or citizenship.

If you are becoming a citizen or national of a country that does not allow dual nationality, you may be required by that country to give up your British nationality.

For more specific information about some countries where you hold citizenship:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada
• United States of America
• South Africa
• Ireland
• Kenya
• Zimbabwe

Under the nationality laws of some countries, a married person automatically has his or her partner's nationality. Children may also have a parent's nationality even if they were born abroad. If your wife, husband or child is visiting the country of your nationality, you should check with the country's consulate or high commission in the United Kingdom before you travel.

Under international law, we cannot give you diplomatic help if you are in a country of which you are a national. For example, if you hold both British AND Chinese nationality, we would be unable to give you diplomatic help when you are visiting China.

If you are planning to visit your former homeland, and you are not sure whether you have lost your old nationality, you should check with the country's consulate or high commission in the United Kingdom before you travel. If you have not lost the old nationality and want to give it up, they will be able to tell you what to do.