Couple Stuck in Poland After 80 Years in UK

Maria and Czeslaw Krupa, Polish citizens who have resided in the UK for almost eight decades, faced a distressing situation after being prevented from boarding a flight back to their home. The couple, who arrived in the UK in 1947 and 1948 as young dependents of displaced Polish service members, were told in May 2026 that they did not possess the necessary post-Brexit documentation to re-enter the country.

The Krupas, aged 85 and 92 respectively, had travelled to Poland to visit surviving family members. They had previously travelled internationally throughout their adult lives using 'Aliens' registration cards' without any immigration checks or issues regarding their status. However, upon attempting to return to their residence in Bury, Ryanair refused to allow them to board their flight. The airline cited a lack of proof of their right to live in the UK and the absence of an Electronic Travel Authorisation, which is now required for foreign tourists entering the UK.

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Maria Krupa described the experience as a "big shock" and expressed disappointment, particularly given her husband's medical needs following a stroke. She explained that they attempted to inform the airline staff about their fathers' wartime service for both Poland and England, but the airline stated they would face significant fines if they allowed the couple to board without the correct documentation.

Background to Post-Brexit Rules

The EU Settlement Scheme was introduced in 2019 to provide EU citizens living in the UK with documentary evidence of their right to reside, replacing the previous free movement rules. Many individuals who have lived in the UK for decades, often with British-born children and grandchildren, have not proactively sought new documentation, as they never anticipated needing it.

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Kate Smart, chief executive of the charity Settled, which assisted the Krupas, stated that the organisation is encountering "thousands of cases" similar to theirs. She noted that these situations are occurring almost daily and often involve elderly individuals who have integrated fully into British society and do not perceive themselves as immigrants. Maria Krupa mentioned that she had never considered obtaining a British passport, as it had never been necessary during her nearly 80 years in the country, and she wished to retain her Polish identity while remaining grateful to England for its post-war hospitality.

Resolution and Next Steps

Following their initial refusal, the Krupas returned to the airport the following day with an Electronic Travel Authorisation. However, they had to declare themselves as residents of Poland on the application form, as it did not accept their UK address. Upon their eventual arrival in England, they expressed fear of being questioned and having to provide truthful answers. After seeking assistance from Citizens Advice in Bury, they were referred to Settled. The charity submitted a 'no-time-limit' application to the Home Office, which resulted in the Krupas being granted settled status last week. Ms Smart suggested that a process should be in place at airports to address such issues when they arise, rather than requiring individuals to navigate complex application systems after being denied travel.