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UK ETA travel changes
The UK government will from 25 February require most visitors to hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding a flight, ferry or train.
“- From 25 February, most visitors to the UK must hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding a flight, ferry or train; those without one can be refused boarding.”
It has announced a separate documentation requirement for British dual nationals: they must either travel on a valid British passport or obtain a digital certificate of entitlement attached to their non‑UK passport (cost about £589).
Dual nationals cannot use the £16 ETA option available to many other visitors, and carriers may refuse boarding to those who cannot prove their right to enter.
The announcement is framed as part of the ETA rollout and wider digital border modernisation.
Expat passport and travel
The change has prompted urgent concern among expatriate families and children born abroad who automatically qualify for British citizenship.
Several outlets report that babies and children will be required to present a British passport or the costly certificate, and that passport processing or certificate applications from overseas can take weeks.
Tabloid and expat-focused outlets describe families cancelling or changing trips amid fears infants could be refused entry, while mainstream outlets note people who recently naturalised say they were caught out.
ETA rollout and responses
The government’s stated rationale is to modernise the border and make checks consistent with systems used by countries such as the US, Canada and Australia.
“The government says ETAs are part of a move to a more streamlined, digital immigration system in line with countries such as the US and Australia.”
Officials say guidance has been published since October 2024 and that a wider communications campaign about the ETA has been running since 2023.
Critics, including campaign groups and some expat voices, say the change was poorly communicated and introduced with little notice, leaving vulnerable people at risk of being delayed or refused entry.
ETA travel checks
Carriers and Border Force will now check documentation before travel or on arrival.
Some outlets say airlines, ferry and train operators can refuse boarding if travellers cannot prove permission to enter.
Border Force will have discretion over admissions.
The ETA is described across sources as a digital permission to travel, not a visa, costing £16 and rising to £20.
The ETA allows multiple trips of up to six months at a time over two years.
Dual nationals are excluded from the ETA route and must use passport or certificate routes instead.