What is an ETA and do I need one? New UK Travel Regulations from February 2026

From 25 February 2026, the UK will fully enforce its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This change will affect millions of people travelling to the UK, particularly EU citizens and other non-visa nationals. Understanding how ETAs work, and who needs one, is essential to avoid being denied boarding and enjoying smoother travels. This blog explains what an ETA is, who it applies to, and what enforcement will look like in practice, drawing on official government guidance and monitoring reports.

What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a form of advance permission to travel to the UK. It applies to people who are visiting the UK and do not already hold UK immigration status.

An ETA:

• Is not a visa
• Is checked before travel by airlines, ferry companies, and international rail operators
• Is digitally linked to your passport

ETAs are intended for visitors who do not normally need a visa to enter the UK, including EU citizens.

Mandatory enforcement from 25 February 2026

The UK Government has confirmed that from 25 February 2026, ETA checks will be strictly enforced by carriers, including:

• Airlines
• Ferry companies
• International rail operators (such as Eurostar)
  

This means that from February 2026 onwards:

• Visitors who need an ETA will not be allowed to travel without one
• Travellers may be refused boarding, even if they would otherwise be allowed to enter the UK at the border

Note that:

• Travellers should prepare early, especially during busy holiday periods. Passport renewals can take time.

What this means in practice

If you need an ETA:

• You must apply and receive it before you travel

• Carriers are expected to refuse boarding if no ETA (or other valid permission) is visible

• You should not rely on being allowed to travel without one

It is important to note that prior to February 2026, enforcement has been inconsistent. The3million has reported problems with the rollout of ETAs, including cases where travellers were wrongly denied boarding or faced confusion about the rules.

This history of inconsistency makes clear guidance and documentation especially important, as enforcement becomes mandatory.

Who needs an ETA?

You need an ETA if:

• You are travelling to the UK as a visitor, and
• You are a national of a country that requires an ETA

This currently includes all EU countries.

You can check whether you need an ETA using the official government tool: Check if you need a UK visa – GOV.UK

Who does not need an ETA?

You do not need an ETA if you:

• Hold EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) settled or pre-settled status
• Hold any UK immigration status (for example: work, study, family visa, or Indefinite Leave to Remain)
• Are British or Irish
• Require a visitor visa instead of an ETA

Note that:

• Even if you do not need an ETA, make sure your eVisa is active and your travel document is linked to your UKVI account.
• Dual nationals should carry proof of British or Irish citizenship to avoid boarding issues.

How do I apply for an ETA? 

• The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app’, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store. People can apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
• Applying for an ETA should be quick and simple. Most applicants currently get an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app.
• It is recommended that people apply for an ETA at least three working days in advance of travel, this is to take account of the small number of cases which may need further review.

To apply for an ETA, you need to:

• Pay the fee – £16
• Provide up-to-date contact and passport details
• Provide a valid photo, complying with official government rules for digital photos on GOV.UK
• Answer a set of suitability and criminality questions

• Individuals must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for an ETA. 

Further information on how to apply before travelling to the UK is available on GOV.UK

Note that:

If you search online for how to apply for an ETA, you’ll find many companies offering the service for £80–£90. We recommend applying through the official UK Government website instead — it’s much cheaper and far more reliable.

What Will You Receive After Applying? 

Once your ETA application is approved, you will receive an email confirmation. Your ETA will be electronically linked to the passport used in your application, so ensure you travel with the same passport. There is no physical document issued for an ETA. 

What happens if someone is not able to obtain an ETA?

• If a person’s ETA application is rejected, they will be told the reason and can apply again.
• If a person’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission to come to the UK.

If you need more guidance on why your ETA is being rejected, contact us at immigration@citizensrightsproject.org

Pending EUSS applications

Following concerns raised by the Independent Monitoring Authority, the Home Office has confirmed that EU and EEA EFTA citizens with a pending EUSS application should still be able to travel when ETA enforcement begins in February 2026, if they have proof of their pending application. They have confirmed that “it will use its digital systems to instruct carriers to allow Certificate of Application (CoA) holders to board.” But please be aware that “some citizens may need to show further documentation in addition to their CoA when they reach the UK Border.”

Generating a share code:

If you have a pending EUSS application, you can generate a Home Office share code to evidence your right to travel.

The share code allows airlines and other carriers to check your immigration status online via the UK government’s “View and Prove Your Immigration Status” service.

In practice, this means:

• You log in to your UKVI account using the passport or ID card you applied with.

• You generate a time-limited share code (valid for 30 days).

• You provide this share code to the carrier, who can use it to view confirmation that you have a pending EUSS application and therefore permission to travel to the UK.

For more details instructions about how to generate a share code, read our blog post: How to Prove your Right to Work in the UK Using your eVisa

Important limitations:

• A share code is not a physical document and does not guarantee boarding.
• Airline carriers are not legally obliged to accept a share code, and some may be unfamiliar with pending EUSS status, or unwilling to rely on it.

And so, we advise you to carry a downloaded copy of your CoA or any Home Office decision letter, as well as your eVisa status share-code.

Because of these limitations, travellers should expect inconsistent treatment at check-in, even though the Home Office has confirmed that travel should be permitted.

In this post about potential disruptions when travelling to the UK, you can find further advice about how to get prepared to avoid any issues.

Is your passport up-to-date?

The passport used for travel must be the same one linked to the eVisa and must be in date. Carriers rely on this match when checking status.

Beware that you cannot link a new passport or ID card to your EUSS application when it is pending. And so, if you have an eVisa, make sure your account is up-to-date before you travel. Your eVisa should show your most recent identification documents and contact details.

For more information, we have step-by-step guidance on how to access and update your eVisa, see our blog: How to Access and Update your eVisa .

ETAs and dual nationals

If you are a dual national and one of your nationalities is British or Irish:

• You do not need an ETA
• You cannot apply for an ETA using your other passport

Both the Home Office and the3million have warned that, from February 2026, travelling without proof of British or Irish citizenship is likely to lead to serious problems with carriers.

Strong advice:

• Travel using a British or Irish passport, or

• Obtain a Certificate of Entitlement

Note that:

• Passport renewals take time so plan early

• Certificates of Entitlement are an option but are more expensive that a British or Irish passport, standing at £589.

Common questions

1. Do I need an ETA if I have an eVisa?

No. If you already have an eVisa, it means you have a UK immigration status. Therefore, you do not need an ETA.

• Do I need an ETA for my child?

Yes. Every person that is travelling will need an ETA of their own, including babies and children.

• What is the difference between an eVisa and an ETA?

The Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) has highlighted widespread public confusion between:

• ETAs, which apply to visitors, and
• eVisas, which evidence existing immigration status for UK residents

If you are still unsure which applies to you, the IMA has published a clear fact sheet explaining the distinction: IMA Welcomes Clarification On New Travel Checks For EU Citizens – Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements

Further information

If you need information on eVisas and/or Certificates of Application instead, see our second blog on changing travelling regulations after the 25^th of February 2026.