Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
A Halifax couple’s trip to England is in jeopardy because of new passport rules now in effect for dual British-Canadian citizens.
Sheila McLean was born in England in 1941 and has held a British passport in the past, but has not been able to get a new one from the British passport office for an upcoming trip with her husband, Russ McLean, that their son planned.
The couple told CBC Radio’s Information Morning they started the process in February — and it’s looking more and more likely Sheila’s passport won’t arrive in time for the flight, which leaves on Monday.
“I can’t believe it, actually, that it’s such a complicated mess,” she said.
Previously, dual British-Canadian citizens could enter the United Kingdom with only a Canadian passport. But as of Feb. 25, 2026, they must use a British or Irish passport to enter.
Information Morning – NS9:05New British passport rule puts dream trip in jeopardy for this Halifax couple
Sheila McLean was born in England in 1941 and now lives in Halifax. In January, her sons thought it would be a great idea for her to visit her childhood country. Her husband, Russ McLean, jumped on the idea. But now, they may lose out on their dream trip because of new passport rules for dual Canadian-British citizens. Information Morning’s Phlis McGregor spoke with Sheila and Russ.
“I can go in by tapping my Canadian passport on a screen,” Russ told Information Morning in an interview that aired Wednesday.
“She’s got one, she can’t use it. Over three solid months, they’ve failed to provide her one. Just completely irrational objections, but it’s a warning to people.”
Russ said Sheila is being treated as though she never previously held a British passport. Her most recent British passport expired in 2006, he said.
2006 passport ‘not recent enough’
“It’s not recent enough for them,” he said.
As part of the process, the McLeans had to provide her long-form birth certificate and proof of her parents’ identity (their 1929 marriage certificate was approved). She also needed a guarantor who has known them for 25 years.
“We joke — it’s a morbid joke — but most of the people who knew us 25 years ago are dead,” Russ said.
Hopes for an intervention
They opted for their son’s friend, but he was rejected.
“Philippe was a friend of our son Alex in school so we’ve known him for years,” Sheila said.
Russ said they’re hoping for some kind of intervention that allows Sheila to travel to the United Kingdom next week. They said they’ve contacted their MP, as well as an MP in Oldham, the town in England where Sheila is from.
“In fairness to them, they did say in early March don’t make any travel plans until you’ve done this. Well, sorry, our travel plans are already made,” he said.
Sheila said she is determined to get back to Britain. She was hoping to go to Oldham and north Wales.
“I really want to see it again,” she said.
MORE TOP STORIES
