Entering UK after Citizenship Ceremony

[ts531]

Hello,

Can I enter UK after citizenship ceremony with an expired BRP and a Citizenship certificate? Can I be refused entry at Heathrow Airport Immigration? I am aware that they can fine me £1000. But other than that is there any other consequences I need to be aware of? The international airport and immigration and airline will not recognise if my BRP is invalid as far I understand. They will not have my citizenship information.

Many thanks for your advise.

[kamoe]

Can I enter UK after citizenship ceremony with an expired BRP and a Citizenship certificate?

You can board a plane to the UK with an expired BRP, but that expired BRP won't be valid to present at the UK border. Your British Citizenship certificate can be presented instead.

Can I be refused entry at Heathrow Airport Immigration?

No. British citizens have the right of abode and cannot be refused entry. I found it useful to read the official answer from Kevin Foster, Undersecretary of State for the Home Office, in relation to entering the UK as a British citizen without a British passport (the question is asked in relation to dual EU/UK nationals, but the answer can be applied to any dual national):

https://questions-statements.parliament ... 9-03/41847

Where the passenger claims to be British, but does not hold any evidence of British citizenship, the officer will conduct all relevant checks to satisfy themselves the passenger is British

When dual nationals who are eligible to use e-gates travel to the UK, they will enter via the e-gates without being examined by an immigration officer.

We recommend all dual nationals, including EU citizens, travel on their British passport or with evidence or their British citizenship to minimise any potential delay at the border or when commencing their journey.

As you can see, it is recommended, but not compulsory, to travel with a UK passport. As evidence of British Citizenships, having a British Citizenship certificate at hand should suffice.

I am aware that they can fine me £1000. But other than that is there any other consequences I need to be aware of?

Not that I know of, but I'll let other members comment if they have first-had experience of this.

The international airport and immigration and airline will not recognise if my BRP is invalid as far I understand. They will not have my citizenship information.

Correct.

[ts531]

Dear Kamoe,

You are amazing! Can't thank you enough for a prompt and detailed response! In that case I won't worry about the fine as long as I can enter UK.

[vinny]

You can board a plane to the UK with an expired BRP,

Be careful.

[kamoe]

You can board a plane to the UK with an expired BRP,

Be careful.

Oh ok, yes, absolutely, I meant to say "cancelled due to the holder acquiring citizenship" NOT "expired as printed date has passed".

To the OP: please note the difference above. If you meant to say that you intend to use a cancelled BRP, whose expiry date has not passed, then the airlines won't know the document is cancelled. But, if the date has passed, then yes, you might encounter problems boarding a plane!

[ts531]

Sorry for the wrong term! I didn’t mean an ‘expired’ in terms of dates, but expired in terms of ‘validity’ as I understand the ILR BRP card will become invalid after attending the ceremony.

[vinny]

One member had succeeded!

[kamoe]

One member had succeeded!

And then got their BRP taken away. This is why I suggested using the BRP only for boarding the plane, and switching to the citizen certificate when showing proof of right to reside to the immigration officer. Otherwise, yes, BRP will likely get taken away.

[ts531]

Hello all,

Just wanted to let you know I have entered UK with my Citizenship Certificate without any hassle or delay. When I told the officer that I have got my British Citizenship he just wanted to see the certificate and then he looked at my non-EU passport to verify my face. The whole process took less than 5 minutes. I did not present my BRP and he did not ask to see it.

Many thanks to all who helped me to take my travel decision in a difficult home country family situation with my father being very ill.

[kamoe]

Hello all,

Just wanted to let you know I have entered UK with my Citizenship Certificate without any hassle or delay. When I told the officer that I have got my British Citizenship he just wanted to see the certificate and then he looked at my non-EU passport to verify my face. The whole process took less than 5 minutes. I did not present my BRP and he did not ask to see it.

Many thanks to all who helped me to take my travel decision in a difficult home country family situation with my father being very ill.

Glad to hear and thanks for reporting back your experience!

[secret.simon]

The ability to enter the UK was never in doubt.

The key question was, what documentary proof did you show the airline staff to allow you to board the plane?