The Foreign Office has announced that from 25 February 2026, the majority of people entering the UK, excluding British and Irish nationals, including dual nationals, will require an electronic visa (eVisa) or electronic travel authorization (ETA) before entering the country.
Warning to dual nationals
In an official warning, the Home Office has called on dual nationals wishing to travel to the UK later this month to ensure they have a valid British passport or certificate of eligibility to avoid potential problems that could prevent them from boarding a flight after the specified date.
The decision includes 85 nationalities
The department explained that while visitors from 85 nationalities, including nationals of the United States, Canada, Spain and France, are currently not required to obtain advance visas, they will not be able to legally travel to the UK unless they obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure.
The move comes as part of the UK government’s move to digitize its immigration system in preparation for the introduction of “contactless” borders in the future.
Airlines are subject to fines
Under the new system, anyone wishing to travel will be required to obtain electronic authorization in advance through an ETA or e-visa, and airlines and shipping companies will be responsible for ensuring that travelers meet these requirements before completing their flights.
Failure to comply may result in a civil penalty of up to £50,000 for each non-compliant air or sea flight.
Tight deadlines have led some operators to rush technical connections with the Interior Ministry’s border control system, while smaller ferry companies are seeking urgent contracts with technical service providers to ensure compliance, transport sector officials said.
13.3 million requests since system launch
Since the launch of the ETA system in October 2023, more than 13.3 million visitors have submitted successful requests to simplify and speed up travel procedures. This permission is also a prerequisite for passengers traveling on connecting flights that are subject to passport control procedures within the UK.
Immigration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said the system would give authorities broader powers to stop those who pose a security threat from entering the country, giving them a more comprehensive picture of migration patterns, while stressing that it would be more convenient for travelers and contribute to a smoother travel experience for millions of visitors a year.
Application fee and procedure
An electronic travel permit can be applied for via an official application form approved by the UK Government for a fee of £16. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, but the agency recommends allowing up to three business days if additional review is required.
During the first phase of implementation, the requirements were not strictly enforced to allow a transition period for visitors. This is an approach that countries such as the United States and Canada have previously taken when implementing similar systems.
The UK Foreign Office has announced that from 25 February 2026, the majority of people entering the UK, excluding British and Irish nationals, including dual nationals, will need an electronic visa (eVisa) or electronic travel authorization (ETA) before entering the country.
Warning to dual nationals
In an official warning, the Home Office has called on dual nationals wishing to travel to the UK later this month to ensure they have a valid British passport or certificate of eligibility to avoid potential problems that could lead to them being refused boarding after the specified date.
The decision includes 85 nationalities.
The department said visitors from 85 nationalities, including nationals of the US, Canada, Spain and France, are currently not required to obtain a visa in advance, but will not be able to legally travel to the UK unless they obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before departing.
The move comes as part of the UK government’s move to digitize the immigration system, paving the way for the adoption of a “contactless” border in the future.
Airlines subject to penalties
Under the new system, all travelers will be required to obtain electronic authorization in advance through an ETA or e-visa, and airlines and shipping companies will be responsible for ensuring that travelers meet these requirements before completing their trip.
Failure to do so could result in a civil fine of up to £50,000 for each flight or sea journey in violation.
Tight deadlines have led some operators to rush technical alignment with the Interior Ministry’s border control system, while smaller ferry companies are seeking urgent contracts with technical service providers to ensure compliance, transport sector officials said.
13.3 million applications since system launch
Since the launch of the ETA system in October 2023, more than 13.3 million travelers have completed applications to simplify and speed up the travel process. This approval is also a prerequisite for travelers on connecting flights who are subject to passport control procedures within the UK.
Immigration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said he confirmed the system would give broader powers to prevent the entry of those who pose a security threat and provide a more comprehensive picture of migration patterns, while being more convenient for travelers and contributing to a smoother travel experience for millions of visitors a year.
Fees and application procedure
Travelers can apply for an electronic travel authorization through the official app approved by the UK government for a fee of £16. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, but the agency recommends up to three business days if additional review is required.
During the early stages of implementation, the requirement for a transition period for visitors was not strictly enforced, a strategy that countries such as the United States and Canada have previously adopted when introducing similar systems.
