Travellers to the UK need to be up to date with the new policies now coming into effect. Visitors to the UK need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months, or do not already have a UK immigration status. From 25 February 2026 eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot legally travel to the UK. An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa or a tax and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK. Non dual citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA will now be required to apply online in advance for an ETA to visit the UK. An ETA currently costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. However dual British citizens must have a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK. It is strongly advised that dual British citizens make sure they have a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement, to avoid problems like being denied boarding when travelling to the UK. From 25 February 2026, dual British citizens who cannot produce a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement will need to have additional identity checks and will not be able to go through UK passport control until their British nationality is verified.
Further guidance on ETAs, or renewing your UK passport, is available on: www.gov.uk
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