Newsletter
UK Immigration Law Update
Authoritative analysis of policy, legislation and practice for immigration advisers & practitioners.
Source: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
In This Issue
- Lead Story: ETA Now Mandatory — The UK's Digital Border Arrives
- The eVisa Transition: 10 Million Issued, Physical Documents Phased Out
- Adviser Key Facts & Action Points
- Implications for Practitioners, Sponsors and Travellers
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.
Valid 2 Years / multiple journeys
Inc. USA, Canada, all EU states
Since launch October 2023
Reinvested in border infrastructure
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
- Enforcement began 25 February 2026 — airlines must refuse boarding without ETA, eVisa, or valid documentation
- ETA applies to transit passengers who go through UK passport control, not just final-destination travellers
- Applications are made via the UK ETA app; the vast majority receive an automatic decision within minutes
- Advisers should allow up to 3 working days before travel to account for cases requiring additional review
- eVisa holders (including EUSS status holders) must keep their UKVI account updated with their most recent passport details
- From 26 February 2026, Certificates of Entitlement are issued in digital format — a certificate now needs to be obtained only once
- British and Irish citizens are exempt from ETA but must present a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling
- Applicants must provide biographic/biometric details and answer suitability and criminality questions
⚠ Adviser Alert
British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, remain exempt from ETA requirements but must now present either a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling. Practice guidance should be updated accordingly.
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
- Clients must create and maintain a UKVI account at gov.uk/evisa to access and prove their immigration status
- eVisa status is linked to the passport registered on the UKVI account — update passport details on every renewal
- Failure to update passport details can result in travel disruption even where immigration leave is valid
- EUSS status holders use their UKVI account to generate a share code for employers, landlords and other checks
- Physical BRPs are no longer issued for new grants; older BRPs should be transitioned to eVisa where prompted
- UKVI Support Videos collection updated 16 March 2026 — signpost clients who need help setting up accounts
⚠ Practitioner Note
AlwaysWhen advising clients on travel, always confirm that their UKVI account reflects their current passport. An eVisa holder who travels on a different passport from the one linked to their account risks being treated as not having valid permission to travel, regardless of their actual leave status.
What the Digital Border Means for Immigration Practitioners
For Advisers
The transition to eVisas and ETA fundamentally changes how advisers must advise on travel and status documentation. Physical document checks are being replaced by digital verification via the UKVI online system.
For Sponsors
EmployersEmployers sponsoring overseas workers must ensure employees’ UKVI accounts accurately reflect their current travel documents. Right to work checks now involve verifying eVisa status via the online checking service, not a physical BRP.
For Travellers
Non-visa nationals must factor in the ETA requirement for all travel to the UK, including connecting flights through UK airports. Its absence is now an absolute bar to boarding — there are no exceptions at the departure gate.
Disclaimer & Sources
This newsletter is an independent educational publication for immigration advisers and practitioners. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Home Office or UKVI. It does not constitute legal advice.
All information is sourced from GOV.UK under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Primary Sources: (1) Home Office News Story “UK enforces digital permission to travel” (24 Feb 2026) | (2) UKVI “No permission, no travel: UK set to enforce ETA scheme” (24 Nov 2025) | (3) UKVI “Updates on the move to eVisas” (last updated 11 Mar 2026) | (4) UKVI Homepage — gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration