The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel security and immigration screening requirement for many passengers who do not need a visa to visit the UK.
From 25 February 2026, the scheme moves to full enforcement, meaning carriers are expected to apply “no permission, no travel” checks and may refuse boarding if a required ETA (or eVisa/visa) is not in place. An ETA is a digital permission linked to a passport. It is not a visa and does not in itself guarantee admission; entry remains subject to the Immigration Rules and assessment by Border Force on arrival.
Who Needs Electronic Travel Authorisation?
Most non-Visa nationals travelling to the UK for short visits or certain transits will require an ETA, and each traveller, including children, must hold one separately.
British citizens and Irish citizens do not require an ETA, reflecting the Common Travel Area arrangements. Travellers who hold current UK immigration permission (for example, work, study, family leave or EU Settlement Scheme status) and use the same passport linked to that permission generally do not need an ETA. Those who already hold a UK visa for their trip do not require an ETA either.
Some nationalities continue to require a transit visa instead of an ETA for particular routes, and carriers may check documentation on air and sea journeys even where there are no routine controls at the land border within the Common Travel Area.
How Much Does it Cost to get UK Electronic Travel Authorisation
The Home Office fee is currently £16 per ETA application. An ETA is typically valid for up to two years or until the linked passport expires, whichever is sooner, and it may be used for multiple trips provided each visit complies with the Visitor Rules. Applicants should ensure that the biographical details on the ETA application precisely match the passport they intend to use.
What About Dual Citizens?
Dual citizens should align their travel documents with their status. Dual British nationals are advised to travel on a British passport and do not need an ETA; British-Irish dual nationals are exempt.
Dual nationals who are not British or Irish must meet the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements applicable to the passport they use. Where a person holds UK immigration permission under one nationality, they should travel on the same passport so that their digital status is recognised and to avoid unnecessary ETA applications.
For travellers overseas, failure to obtain a required ETA may result in denied boarding, so applications should be made well in advance, via GOV.UK or the UK ETA app. Many decisions are issued quickly, but some take longer. For those already in the UK, no action is required unless departing and re-entering as a visitor; residents with valid leave re-enter on that basis and typically do not need an ETA.
How Tann Law Solicitors Can Assist
Tann Law advises on UK Electronic Travel Authorisation eligibility and strategy, prepares and submits applications, resolves data mismatches between passports and digital status, and addresses refusals or carrier “no-board” decisions.
The firm also supports urgent travel planning, dual-nationality and transit scenarios, and provides compliance briefings for corporate travel teams. For tailored assistance, contact Tann Law Solicitors.
Author: Andrew Nyamayaro, Tann Law Solicitors
Tel: 02477632323 | WhatsApp: 07421429338
Disclaimer
This blog is for general information only and reflects Home Office guidance as of the date of publication. Eligibility, fees, roll-out timelines and processing times may change. Always check the latest requirements on GOV.UK before travelling.