The United Kingdom has begun strictly enforcing its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme as of 25 February 2026, barring non-visa nationals from boarding flights to the UK without prior digital permission.www.gov.ukwww.envoyglobal.comkpmg.com Airlines and carriers are now required to deny boarding to passengers lacking a valid ETA, eVisa, or other approved documentation, marking a key step toward a fully digitized border system.newlandchase.com This enforcement, announced by the Home Office in November 2025, applies to nationals of 85 countries including the US, Canada, France, and Australia, while British and Irish citizens remain exempt.homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk

The ETA, costing £16, allows multiple entries for up to two years or until the passport expires and is obtained quickly via the official UK ETA app, with most approvals issued automatically within minutes. Over 19 million applications have been processed since its 2023 launch, generating £383 million reinvested in border security and immigration improvements. Travelers are advised to apply at least three working days in advance to account for rare manual reviews, and the system now extends to transit passengers passing through UK passport control.

Home Office Minister Mike Tapp emphasized the scheme's role in enhancing security by screening threats pre-travel, with carriers equipped for automated checks. Dual British citizens must present a valid UK passport or digital Certificate of Entitlement—issued from 26 February onward—rather than relying solely on foreign passports. Businesses and travelers are urged to update policies to incorporate these requirements for seamless compliance.