UK enforces digital permission to journey

Non-visa nationals who attempt to enter the UK with out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will likely be barred below new guidelines coming into pressure.

From immediately (25 February), will probably be necessary for guests to the UK to have obtained digital permission to journey. This signifies that airways will forestall passengers from boarding if they don’t have an ETA, eVisa or produce other legitimate documentation.

Visitors of 85 nationalities, together with nationals of the United States, Canada and France, are actually legally required to have an ETA when travelling to the UK. An ETA prices £16, permits a number of journeys, and lasts for two years or till the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

The value of an ETA is aggressive and in keeping with different nations together with the US ESTA, which prices $40 and the EU’s ETIAS, which is anticipated to value €20 when it’s applied.

British and Irish residents, together with twin residents, are exempt from needing an ETA however will likely be required to current both a legitimate British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK. This is similar method taken by different nations, together with the US, Australia and Canada. At their very own discretion, carriers could settle for some expired British passports as various documentation.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp stated:

The ETA scheme is a crucial a part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border safety, serving to to ship a extra environment friendly and trendy service that works for each guests and the British public.

I’d urge anybody desirous to journey to the UK to make sure they’re journey prepared and have the fitting permission, to make their journey a lot smoother.

ETAs are additionally necessary for guests who journey to the UK to take connecting flights and undergo passport management.

Since ETA was launched in October 2023, over 19 million guests have efficiently utilized. As of January 2026, ETA has generated over £383 million in income which is reinvested in enhancing the UK’s border and immigration system.

The enforcement of the ETA scheme is a big step in the direction of digitising the immigration system and paves the way in which for a contactless UK border sooner or later. The scheme additionally helps to maintain the border safe, stopping people who pose a risk from coming into the UK.

The UK has been phasing out bodily paperwork for a number of years by way of the transition to eVisas, with over 10 million issued so far. eVisa holders, together with these with EU Settlement Scheme standing, have to hold their UK Visas and Immigration account updated with their most up-to-date passport particulars, to keep away from journey disruption.

As a part of ongoing enhancements to our companies, from tomorrow (26 February), Certificates of Entitlement will likely be issued in digital format. This signifies that a certificates solely must be utilized for as soon as, somewhat than expiring along with your passport.

Applying for an ETA by way of the UK ETA app is fast and simple, and the overwhelming majority of candidates presently obtain a choice mechanically inside minutes, making certain that spontaneous journeys to the UK stay doable. However, it’s nonetheless advisable that guests enable as much as 3 working days earlier than they plan to journey to obtain their determination in time and, to account for the small variety of circumstances that require extra evaluation.

Applicants are required to offer their biographic and biometric particulars and reply a couple of questions on suitability and criminality. Once an individual has efficiently utilized, their ETA is digitally linked to their passport.