A teenage girl with dual British-Norwegian citizenship has been unable to return home to the UK for more than a fortnight after being caught out by recently introduced passport regulations. The 16-year-old, identified only as Hanne to protect her identity, found herself trapped in the Danish capital when she was refused permission to board a Norwegian Airlines flight to London. Her predicament stems from not possessing a British passport, despite holding British citizenship. The Sussex-based student, who is due to sit her GCSE examinations in May, has been forced to miss a fortnight of lessons across all her subjects during a critical period of her education. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The Home Office initially declined to assist despite appeals from both the airline and her school's head teacher. Regulations introduced on February 25 now mandate that all individuals holding dual British nationality must travel with a UK passport to enter the country, including children who may have acquired citizenship solely through their parents. Prior to this change, those with dual nationality were permitted to use foreign travel documents. The alterations have thrown many families' travel arrangements into disarray. When Norwegian Airlines contacted the British embassy in Copenhagen seeking assistance for Hanne, officials informed them they were unable to help. The teenager had been travelling with her Norwegian-born mother using her Norwegian passport whilst awaiting a British passport she had applied for before departing. Compounding the family's difficulties, the Passport Office stated they would need to cancel her existing application because she was now abroad, requiring her father to submit an entirely fresh application. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Stream in English tourist hotspot turns ORANGE as strict warning issued amid urgent investigation High street retailer announces major closure in effort to 'help' save 500 stores Woke council spends taxpayers cash setting up ‘safe spaces’ ahead of Nigel Farage visiting city Following more than two weeks of the family being left in limbo, the Home Office has now agreed to provide assistance. A department spokesman stated: "We are aware of this case and are working at pace to provide assistance. "Public information advising dual nationals to travel with a valid UK passport or certificate of entitlement has been available since October 2024, including official guidance on gov.uk". Officials also pointed to their communications efforts, noting: "Guidance for dual citizens was also included in our ETA communications campaign, which has been running since 2023". The government's response suggests it believes adequate warning was given to affected families, though this offers little comfort to those already caught out by the changes. James MacCleary, the Liberal Democrat MP representing Hanne's constituency, has sharply criticised ministers over their handling of the policy shift. He told the Guardian: "The government's hopeless planning and communication of its changes to entry requirements for dual nationals has caused an untold amount of chaos and stress. "Too many dual nationals have found themselves stranded abroad in heartbreaking situations, missing funerals, weddings, or in the case of my constituent, an absolutely crucial time in education". Mr MacCleary demanded Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood "pull her finger out and urgently provide a low-cost and quick alternative for dual nationals stuck abroad", warning that the Prime Minister must intervene if she fails to act. Hanne's head teacher also wrote to the department, stating: "She is currently missing taught lessons across all subjects and is at risk of missing important assessments, including GCSE exams". Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter