Britons with dual citizenship from any of the seven countries in Donald Trump’s travel ban are free to travel to the US, the Government has confirmed.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson made a statement to the House of Commons on Monday afternoon following confusion over the situation, saying he had ‘secured a special deal’ for British travellers.
Information on the US embassy’s UK website on Monday morning said the 90-day travel ban would be imposed on all those from the seven target countries of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen – including those with dual nationality.
It warned: "If you are a national, or dual national, of one of these countries (the seven majority Muslim countries), please do not schedule a visa appointment or pay any visa fees at this time.
"If you already have an appointment scheduled, please DO NOT ATTEND your appointment as we will not be able to proceed with your visa interview."
The information was removed on Monday afternoon and was followed by clarification by Johnson, who said British travellers are not affected by the travel ban – and this includes UK citizens born in any of the seven countries and those who have dual citizenship.
The Foreign Office updated its advice to say: "Temporary immigration measures are in place for nationals of Libya, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. British passport holders, including British nationals who hold dual nationality with these countries, aren’t affected by these measures."
MPs debated the travel ban in Parliament on Monday evening, as Visit USA’s UK office described Trump’s travel ban as ‘challenging’.
A spokesman said: "The objective of the Visit USA Association in the UK and our 200 members is to promote travel and tourism to and within the USA. Any obstacle that may inhibit us in achieving that objective, such as the new USA entry policy, impacts the work that is carried out by the association and our members.
"To happen during one of the traditionally busiest holiday booking periods in the UK makes it all the more challenging and could result in a greater impact to the UK / USA travel industry."
