The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation – Permission to board

From 25 February 2026, the UK’s ETA scheme, permitting individuals from over 80 countries to travel to the UK, will be fully enforced.

In October 2023, the UK Government introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (“ETA“) scheme as a significant step in its bid to move towards a digital immigration system. Whilst the scheme has been in a transitional (and fairly lenient) phase since introduction, it will come into full effect from 25 February 2026. This article sets out details of the upcoming ETA scheme ahead of its full enforcement later this month.

What is an ETA?

An ETA is a permission to travel to the UK; a visa is a permission to enter the UK.

An ETA is a permission to travel to the UK for “non-visa nationals”, being individuals who do not need to apply for a visa for visits to the UK. The introduction of ETA allows the UK Government to check details of non-visa nationals before they arrive at the border. The system is much like the USA’s ESTA scheme and an ETA must be obtained ahead of travelling to the UK (e.g. before boarding a flight).

Once fully enforced, non-visa nationals will not be allowed to travel to the UK without an ETA. It is important to note that an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK – this decision remains with UK Border Force officers on arrival in the UK.

Who requires an ETA?

Although the scheme has been in place since October 2023, it has not been strictly enforced during this time. On 25 February 2026, it will however become mandatory for individuals from over 80 countries to obtain an ETA before their short-term travel to the UK. A full list of the relevant countries can be found on the Government website as follows: Check if you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK. It is important to flag that EU Member States and Switzerland are included on the list.

Who doesn’t require an ETA?

The Government website sets out certain categories of individuals who will not require an ETA for permission to travel to the UK (Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK: When you do not need an ETA – GOV.UK). These include (but are not limited to):

• British or Irish citizens (but see below)
• UK visa holders
• individuals with permission to live, work, and study in the UK (e.g. Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status)
• British overseas territories citizens and British National (Overseas) using such passports
• individuals living in Ireland and travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man

People transiting through UK airports will not need to obtain an ETA to travel as long as they do not go through border control, otherwise they must have an ETA even during transit. It is advised that individuals check with their airline ahead of planning their travels.

Dual nationals with British or Irish citizenships are not eligible to apply for an ETA, even if they no longer hold a valid British or Irish passport. It is therefore vital that such dual citizens travel to the UK with either:

• a valid British or Irish passport; or
• another passport which contains a Certificate of Entitlement confirming their right of abode in the UK.

Without either a valid British or Irish passport, or a Certificate of Entitlement, the individual can be refused permission to travel to the UK.

Practical points

Individuals can apply for an ETA either via the Government website or a dedicated Government app (Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK: Apply for an ETA – GOV.UK). The application costs £16 per person and separate ETAs must be obtained for each individual travelling, including children.

During the transitional periods, ETAs have generally been granted very quickly (with some decisions turned around immediately). However, it is advised that individuals may need to wait up to three working days for a decision, whilst checks are carried out on their applications.

When an individual obtains an ETA, the permission to travel is consequently linked to their passport. It will remain linked to that passport for up to two years or, if sooner, until the passport expires. In other words, the ETA can be used for multiple trips to the UK in that time period. However, an ETA obtained through a lost or expired passport does not transfer to a new or replacement passport. Instead, a new ETA will need to be obtained in this instance.

Individuals holding multiple passports will require only one ETA for their travel to the UK. Therefore, they should be mindful of travelling to the UK with the passport which is linked to their ETA – the  ETA does not apply to multiple passports.

How can we help?

Burges Salmon’s specialists have substantial experience in immigration, tax, trusts, and estate planning for international clients.  If you wish to discuss any of the matters raised in this article, please do get in touch with  Suzanna Harvey, Myra Leung, Megan Thomas or your usual contact within the team.