Effective February 25, 2026, it is mandatory for visitors to the UK to have obtained digital permission to travel. This means that airlines will prevent passengers from boarding if they do not have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), eVisa or have other valid documentation.
Visitors of 85 nationalities, including nationals of the United States, Canada and France, are now legally required to have an ETA when travelling to the UK. An ETA costs GBP 16, permits multiple journeys, and lasts for two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
The cost of an ETA is competitive and in line with other countries including the US ESTA, which costs USD 40 and the EU’s ETIAS, which is expected to cost EUR 20 when it is implemented.
British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt from needing an ETA but will be required to present either a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK. This is the same approach taken by other countries, including the US, Australia and Canada. At their own discretion, carriers may accept some expired British passports as alternative documentation.
ETAs are also mandatory for visitors who travel to the UK to take connecting flights and go through passport control.
Effective February 26, 2026, Certificates of Entitlement will be issued in digital format. This means that a certificate only needs to be applied for once, rather than expiring with your passport.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.