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From 25 February 2026, the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme will go fully live for eligible citizens from 85 countries. The initial implementation period will have ended, and a strict ‘no permission…
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From 25 February 2026, the UK’s Electronic Travel
Authorisation (ETA) scheme will go fully live for eligible citizens
from 85 countries. The initial implementation period will have
ended, and a strict ‘no permission, no travel’ policy will
be enforced. In this article we discuss what this will mean in
practice for affected travellers and businesses.
The ETA scheme has been phased in gradually by the UK
Government. This included a phased roll-out to groups of eligible
countries and an initial grace period allowing for travellers to
enter the UK with proof of a pending ETA application, even if it
had not yet been decided.
Following the end of the implementation period, travellers will
be required to present carriers with confirmation of their ETA
approval, or face being turned away.
Reminder – what is the ETA scheme?
An ETA is a pre-entry authorisation for eligible nationals
without existing UK immigration permission (or exemption from
immigration control), who intend to enter the UK to visit, transit
(landside only), or undertake temporary work in the UK for up to 3
months under the Creative Worker Visa Concession.
You can see our earlier article for more details of who does
and doesn’t need an ETA.
What is the practical significance of this development?
From 25 February 2026, there will no longer be an allowance in
place for travellers to enter the UK without a valid ETA where one
is required. From this date, it will be necessary to ensure that
anyone who requires an ETA has applied for one in good time and
received confirmation of their granted ETA before travelling to the
UK.
Businesses responsible for this process/expense should be aware
that a failure to complete the correct process (or to do so in good
time) could result in additional knock-on costs for the business
beyond the £16 ETA application fee.
One of the key considerations will be an individual’s
eligibility for an ETA, and there are several factors which will
impact this:
- Nationality – businesses should be aware
that periodic review and changes by the government to the UK’s
‘visa national list‘ may impact eligibility
for the ETA scheme. During 2025, Botswana, the Palestinian
Authority and Nauru were each placed on the visa national list,
meaning nationals of these countries are no longer eligible to
apply for an ETA and enter the UK visa-free. Instead, they must
apply for and be granted a visa in advance of travel to the UK.
Businesses and travellers should plan ahead to check eligibility
status to apply for an ETA based on their nationality as this can
change with no or little notice. Additionally, travellers with dual
British or Irish citizenship are not eligible for ETA and should be
aware of the need to travel to the UK on a valid British passport,
foreign passport with a certificate of entitlement to the right of
abode, or Irish passport (for Irish citizens). - Activities – With the continuous
tightening of eligibility criteria for UK work routes, there could
be a temptation for businesses to use the Visitor route for short
business visits together with an approved ETA. However, despite the
broad range of business activities permitted under the Visitor
route, it is crucial to ensure the intended activities genuinely
fit within the remit of the Rules. Even where an ETA has been
approved, permission at the UK border could still be refused, and a
traveller turned away, if there is any indication that they intend
to conduct unauthorised work in the UK. Businesses should
scrutinise planned visits well in advance so it is possible to seek
appropriate legal advice on suitable routes to the UK where
necessary and/or make alternative staffing arrangements to ensure
business continuity. - Criminality – an ETA will be
automatically refused in certain circumstances, potentially
triggering the need to consider applying exceptionally for a visa
to visit the UK, e.g. in situations where the proposed traveller
has:
- A current UK deportation or exclusion order:
- A significant criminal history;
- Previously overstayed in the UK or breached their immigration
conditions; or - Outstanding debts to the UK.
We have expertise in assessing ETA eligibility and handling
exceptional visa applications through our ETA service for complex
cases, which you can learn more about here.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
