Italian and British Passport

Question

I have an italian passport as both parents italian but born in england so I also have a british passport. I love using my Italian passport yet when I return the UK using italian passport (where I live, work and have a home) I have been questioned and stopped by border control and I am confused as to why and which passport to use??

Answer 1

You may remember that a few years ago that thing called Brexit happened.

Since this took effect, EU citizens no longer have freedom of movement in the UK. Without additional paperwork (resident permit, EUSS…), they are no longer allowed to live or work in the UK.

Since you are also a British citizen, these restrictions do not apply to you, but the only way for them to know that is to show your UK passport.

So the usual rules apply: use your Italian passport when you travel to Italy (or anywhere in the EU, really), and your UK passport when you travel to the UK:

• going to Italy:
  • Airline: Italian passport
  • No exit passport control in the UK
  • Italian passport control: Italian passport
• Going to the UK:
  • Airline: UK passport
  • Italian passport control: Italian passport
  • UK passport control: UK passport

Answer 2

and I am confused as to why and which passport to use??

The reason why, is because you are only showing your non-UK passport which does not prove that you have the right of abode in the UK.

Since you already have a UK passport, you are not eligible for a certificate of entitlement (see link below) which would be a sticker in your non-UK passport.

Therefore you should use your UK passport to enter the UK and your Italian passport when entering the Schengen area to avoid all immigration restrictions.

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• Prove you have right of abode in the UK
  • certificate of entitlement
    • Fee: £550 in (or outside) the UK
    • You cannot get a certificate if you already have a British passport or a valid certificate of entitlement in another foreign passport