Husband stranded in Greece after authorities refused to accept his American passport to return to the UK
Doncaster man stranded in Greece after authorities refused to accept his American passport to return to the UK
A Doncaster man is currently stranded in Greece after authorities refused to accept his American passport to return to the UK.
Kyle Harris, aged 39, of Wheatley, and his wife Ruth Marie Harris recently took their family on holiday to Kefalonia. Having had no issue travelling abroad before, they did not expect to be told as they tried to return home that Kyle could not.
Ruth explained: “Despite living in the UK 39 years, paying 24 years of tax and national insurance, attending nursery, primary and secondary school, raising British children and building his entire life there. That’s exactly what happened to us on Saturday.
“After what was an amazing family holiday in Kefalonia with incredible friends, we arrived at the airport to be told he could not board the flight home to the UK.
“Kyle was born in Maryland, USA, to a British mother and American father in the RAF. He was brought to the UK before he was even one-year-old and has lived there ever since. He has always travelled on his American passport without issue his entire life.
“Apparently, due to a new system introduced this year, he now has to “prove” his right to return to the country he has lived in since infancy.
“Our options appear to be applying for a British passport from Greece, or a visa to enter his own home country.”
She continued: “Not once during booking, travel, or check-in were we warned this could happen. Nor have we seen any of a large campaign that has apparently taken place to ensure people travelling this way know.
“What shocked me even more was Jet2 suggesting I board the flight alone with our children and leave my husband stranded in another country whilst our children cried for their dad, to top it off leave him without his tumour medication. Absolutely not.
“Thankfully the boys think we’re simply extending the adventure, and the people of Kefalonia have been nothing short of incredible. We’ve also had overwhelming support from friends, family helping with our pups at home and other arrangements, both of our work and one particular person in the public eye who has gone above and beyond for us behind the scenes.
“But this situation needs attention.How can a system be rolled out with so little communication that someone who has lived in the UK virtually their entire life suddenly feels unwelcome, forgotten, and forced to prove they belong?
“And the only way is a passport not the longstanding paper trail of contribution to that country. Right now my husband feels more like a foreigner than a citizen of the country he calls home.To note the consulate here in Greece and London have been an amazing support.”
A spokesman for Jet2 said: We’re sorry to hear about Mr Harris’ experience.
“Our cabin crew acted in accordance with government legislation and sought guidance from the Home Office, as the passenger did not have the correct documentation at the time of travel.
“We advise all customers to check FCDO travel requirements before travelling.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “From 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens need to present either a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK. Without one, carriers cannot verify British citizenship, which may lead to delays or refused boarding.
“Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024, with a substantive communications campaign on the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023.