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UK ETA requirement
From 25 February 2026 the UK made its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) mandatory for travellers from 85 visa‑exempt countries.
“The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is fully enforced from 25 February 2026, extending pre‑travel digital screening to millions of visitors from visa‑exempt countries (including the US and EU states).”
The change extended pre‑travel digital screening to millions and requires a valid ETA or appropriate visa before departure.
The measure, first introduced in October 2023 and now strictly enforced after a grace period, applies to visitors from countries including the US, Canada, Australia and many EU states, and carriers are legally required to verify ETAs and may refuse boarding when no ETA is found.
ETA application overview
The ETA is a digital permission linked to a traveller’s passport rather than a visa.
Approved ETAs are valid for up to two years, or until the passport expires, and allow multiple short stays of up to six months.
Applicants submit passport details, a digital photo and security and eligibility answers via the official app or GOV.UK.
Most decisions are automated and issued within minutes, though the government advises applying at least three business days before departure in case manual checks are needed.
ETA rollout complications
The rollout has produced notable complications for dual nationals and long‑term residents.
“The new rules have caused problems for dual nationals (people with UK and another passport) because they cannot use an ETA and must instead present a British passport or obtain a digital certificate of entitlement to enter the UK — neither of which is issued automatically. A British passport costs roughly £100 for an adult; the certificate costs £589 and both can take several weeks to obtain, leaving some long-term UK residents caught short, especially if they were abroad when the rule change was announced.”
People holding both a UK and another passport cannot use the ETA on their non‑British passport and must either present a British passport or obtain a digital Certificate of Entitlement.
Neither option is issued automatically and both can be costly and time‑consuming to secure.
Reports detail costs of roughly £100 for an adult British passport and £589 for the certificate.
The reports warn that the timing can leave people caught short if they are abroad when the mandatory system begins.
ETA enforcement and appeals
Enforcement and appeal mechanics vary in how they are reported.
Carriers are described as legally obliged to check permission to travel and to refuse boarding without an ETA.
Transit passengers who pass through UK border control are said to need an ETA.
At least one outlet notes there is no appeal if an ETA is refused and that applicants must seek a visa instead.
Travel advice and reactions
Coverage combines caution with practical travel tips.
“Practical advice: apply only via the official UK government portal (avoid third‑party sites), allow up to three business days for processing if manual review is needed...”
Diaspora communities and long-term residents are reported as anxious or confused.
Outlets offering guidance warn travellers to use only the official portal or app.
They advise applying well before departure.
Guidance says to expect a fee currently set at £16, with the government signalling a possible rise to £20.