A teenage girl from the UK faced a six-week absence from school after being stranded in Rome due to new passport regulations. The 15-year-old, who was visiting her grandmother in Italy, was denied boarding for her return flight to the UK because dual nationals must possess a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement under the updated rules. These requirements apply to all British citizens, regardless of their other nationality, aligning with similar practices in countries like the US, Canada, and Australia.

The girl’s father, author Rowan Somerville, criticized the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for their handling of the situation, expressing frustration at the lack of assistance. The school and the MP for Kensington and Bayswater also raised concerns about the girl’s extended absence from education.

Although initially facing challenges in obtaining a temporary passport due to not having a British passport, the FCDO eventually issued an emergency travel document, allowing the girl to return home in April and May. Mr. Somerville highlighted the lack of public awareness about the new regulations and the difficulties in navigating the bureaucratic process.

Despite passports typically being issued within three weeks, the process for the girl’s British passport took three months, with delays attributed to additional information requirements. Mr. Somerville criticized the inefficiency and lack of clarity in government communication regarding policy changes.

The case of Mr. Somerville’s daughter is not an isolated incident, as several other British individuals, including children and young adults, were impacted by the updated passport rules. The Home Office clarified that dual British citizens must present a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when traveling to the UK to avoid delays or denied boarding.

The Mirror has sought comment from the FCDO regarding the matter.