Understanding the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme – What You Need to Know

From 25 February 2026, the UK will fully enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme — a major change for visitors from visa-free countries and a key development in the UK’s ongoing border modernisation programme.

At D&A Solicitors, we understand that these changes may create uncertainty for international travellers, employers sponsoring overseas workers, and professionals advising clients on UK immigration compliance. This guide breaks down the key points of the ETA requirements, who needs it, how to apply and what it means in practice.

What Is the ETA Scheme?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel to the UK. It is not a visa and it does not guarantee entry — it simply authorises a person to travel. From 25 February 2026, travellers who need an ETA must hold one before boarding any transport bound for the UK.

The ETA has been introduced to:

• Strengthen UK border security,

• Streamline the arrival process, and

• Bring the UK in line with international pre-travel authorisation systems such as the US ESTA and Canada’s eTA.

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Who Needs an ETA?

You will need an ETA if:

• You are travelling to the UK for a short stay (up to six months) as a visitor,

• You do not already hold a visa or UK immigration status, and

• Your nationality is visa-exempt — meaning you previously did not need a visa for short visits.

Commonly affected groups include citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and other visa-free nationalities.

British and Irish citizens are exempt from ETA requirements. 

Key Features of the ETA

Here’s what travellers and advisers need to know about the ETA:

💡 It’s not a visa:An ETA is a pre-travel clearance — not a visa — and does not confer any immigration status.

💡 Mandatory from 25 February 2026:Failure to hold an ETA by this date means airlines, ferry operators and rail carriers must refuse boarding to anyone who requires one but does not have it.

💡 Quick and digital application:The ETA can be applied for through the official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK service. Most applicants receive automatic decisions within minutes.

💡 Starts at £16:The current application fee is £16. This fee is kept under review, and an increase to £20 is planned in due course.

💡 Linked to your passport:Your ETA must be linked to the same passport you intend to travel with.

💡 Period of validity:Once granted, an ETA is generally valid for multiple journeys over two years, or until the passport expires — whichever comes first.

What Happens If an ETA Is Refused?

If an ETA application is refused, the applicant will be informed of the reason. A refusal means:

• You cannot board your travel, and

• You will need to apply for an appropriate UK visa if you still intend to travel.

This distinction between an ETA and a visa is important for travel planning — a visa application takes longer and has different eligibility criteria.

Special Considerations: Transit and Dual Nationals

Transit travellers who pass through UK passport control also need an ETA, even if just connecting on to another flight.

Dual British citizens do not need an ETA but must travel on a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement when returning to the UK — an important detail that has caused confusion in some cases.

Why the Change?

The UK Government describes the ETA as part of a wider digital transformation of the border:

✔ It enhances pre-travel security checks,✔ It supports safer, more efficient border operations, and✔ It aligns the UK with international partners already using similar systems.

For travellers and businesses alike, early preparation and compliance are key to avoiding disruption.

How D&A Solicitors Can Help

If you or your clients need support with:

• ETA eligibility or application issues,

• Visa and immigration planning, or

• Compliance with UK entry requirements,

our team at D&A Solicitors can provide clear, practical guidance every step of the way.

Contact us today to ensure your travel and immigration arrangements meet the new 2026 standards.