Story Highlight
– New ETA system for UK travel starts 25 February.
– Citizens from 85 countries now require electronic authorization.
– Dual nationals face difficulties obtaining UK passports.
– ETA costs £16; fee may rise to £20.
– Non-British passport holders must show valid documentation at entry.
Full Story
A new travel system for visitors to the United Kingdom is set to be implemented from 25 February 2026, affecting citizens from a range of countries including the United States and Australia. The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is expected to enhance the efficiency and security of the UK’s immigration process. However, the rollout of the ETA has raised concerns, particularly among dual nationals who now face challenges in obtaining the necessary documentation to comply with the new measures.
The ETA represents a digital form of travel permission for individuals wishing to enter the UK. Under the new regulations, the ETA will be mandatory for citizens from 85 countries who have traditionally enjoyed visa-free access to the UK. Once granted, the ETA will allow travellers to stay in the UK for up to six months and will be valid for two years, or until the holder’s passport expires. This travel authorisation facilitates various purposes such as tourism, business engagements, or short-term educational activities. It also applies to those transiting through the UK en route to other destinations, although travellers who remain airside and do not interact with UK border security will not require the ETA.
Existing visa requirements will remain unchanged for individuals from countries that require a visa to enter the UK, meaning they do not need to apply for the ETA in addition to a visa. British and Irish citizens, as well as specific exceptions like those with settled status or minors embarking on school trips from France, are similarly exempt from this new requirement.
Launched initially in October 2023, the ETA scheme was not enforced until now, allowing individuals time to adapt to the new regulations. The UK government has indicated that the ETA is designed to optimise the immigration framework by making it more streamlined and secure.
Obtaining an ETA entails a fee, which is currently set at £16 but is anticipated to rise to £20 in the future. Those seeking an ETA are encouraged to download the government’s official app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. The application process requires users to input personal and passport information, submit a suitable photograph, and answer a series of questions. It is essential to travel on the same passport that was used during the application. The government recommends submitting applications at least three working days prior to travel, although the majority of applicants should receive an automatic response within minutes. If an application is declined, the individual will be informed of the reason but cannot contest the decision; instead, they must apply for a visa.
Enforcement of these new rules will be apparent at the start of travel, as passengers checking in may be denied boarding without a valid ETA. Airlines, rail operators, and ferry services have been provided with tools to ensure compliance through automated digital checks with the Home Office. The ETA will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport, eliminating the need for paper copies at the border. However, individuals may wish to retain a copy of their ETA for record-keeping purposes. It is important to note that while the ETA allows visitors to travel to the UK, it does not guarantee entry, as individuals will still be required to pass through passport control, where further scrutiny may occur.
A significant issue has emerged for dual nationals—those holding citizenship in both the UK and another country—who are ineligible for an ETA. To gain entry into the UK, dual nationals must present either a British passport or a newly issued digital certificate of entitlement linked to their second nationality. The absence of these documents could result in complications when attempting to return to the UK, particularly for individuals who have lived there for decades but may have never applied for UK citizenship documentation.
The process of obtaining these documents is not instantaneous. It typically takes several weeks and incurs costs, such as approximately £100 for a British passport and £589 for a certificate of entitlement. Many dual nationals have expressed their frustrations to the media, highlighting that the time frame stipulated by the government for application may be insufficient for those currently outside the UK. A spokesperson from the Home Office stated that “public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documents has been available since October 2024 and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023”.
The introduction of the ETA aligns with similar travel authorization systems in other countries, including Canada and the US. However, the costs associated with these authorisations differ significantly; for instance, Canada’s ETA costs just 7 Canadian dollars (around £3.78), while the American equivalent is priced at approximately $40 (around £29.75).
As the rollout of the ETA approaches, questions remain about its impact on both travel flow and border security. As governments globally continue to adopt digital systems, the experiences of dual nationals highlight ongoing challenges in navigating complex immigration requirements. The implications of the ETA scheme will likely unfold in the coming months as travellers adjust to the new rules and seek the necessary documentation to facilitate their journeys.
Our Thoughts
The implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system has highlighted critical lapses in planning and communication by the UK government. To mitigate issues faced by dual nationals, several steps could have been taken.
Firstly, the government should have ensured that essential documentation, such as British passports and certificates of entitlement, were readily available and streamlined the application process well in advance of the ETA enforcement date. Providing clear and ample communication to dual nationals about necessary documentation well before the new rules were enforced could have prevented confusion and delays.
Secondly, further sensitivity to the needs of dual nationals, including tailored guidance and extensions for those unable to meet the new requirements swiftly, could have alleviated some of the distress caused.
From a regulatory perspective, there may have been a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 regarding duty of care, as the government did not adequately foresee and address the potential travel disruptions and the lack of documentation for dual nationals.
Preventive measures for similar future incidents could include regular stakeholder consultations, improved public information campaigns, and a feedback mechanism to understand the implications of policy changes on individuals affected.
