No Permission, No Travel: ETA Now Mandatory for 85 Nationalities

From 25 February 2026, non-visa nationals travelling to the United Kingdom without a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) are barred from boarding. Airlines must now refuse passengers who cannot present an ETA, eVisa, or other valid documentation — marking the full enforcement of the UK's digital border.

What the ETA Enforcement Means in Practice ?

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme entered its most consequential phase on 25 February 2026 when enforcement at the point of departure became mandatory. Airlines are now legally required to prevent passengers from boarding if they do not hold an ETA, a valid eVisa, or other recognised travel documentation.

Nationals of 85 countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, and all EU member states — must obtain digital permission before travelling to the UK. The ETA costs £16, permits multiple journeys, and remains valid for two years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever comes first.

“The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public.”

Mike Tapp MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship - GOV.UK, 24 February 2026

Key Facts for Advisers — ETA Requirements 2026

The End of the Vignette: UK's eVisa Rollout Reaches New Milestone

The United Kingdom has now issued over 10 million eVisas, marking a decisive shift away from physical immigration documents. UK Visas and Immigration is progressively replacing vignette stickers and Biometric Residence Permits with fully digital immigration status, accessible through a UKVI online account.
The transition has been rolling out in phases since July 2025. The most recent update, published on 11 March 2026, introduced the ability to add Home Office travel documents directly to UKVI accounts.

Date	Change
Oct 2025	Vignette phased out for certain work, study and family visa grants, and grants of ILR on any route.
Nov 2025	UKVI account invitations extended; account setup begins for a wider group of applicants.
12 Jan 2026	Expanded eligibility — updated guidance on who can set up a UKVI account to access an eVisa.
25 Feb 2026	NewNew applications for permission to come to the UK transition fully to eVisa format.
26 Feb 2026	CertificatesCertificates of Entitlement now issued in digital format — apply once, valid across passport renewals.
11 Mar 2026	Home Office travel documents (e.g. Convention Travel Documents) can now be added to UKVI accounts.

Practical Advice for Clients with eVisas

What the Digital Border Means for Immigration Practitioners