UK introduces ‘no permission, no travel’ rule: How the ETA system works and who is affected

Everything you need to know about the UK ETA and new rules for dual citizens

The United Kingdom has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which comes into effect on 25 February 2026, affecting visitors from 85 countries, including the United States, Canada, and France.

Under the new rules, global travelers, including citizens from visa-exempt countries and British dual nationals, will not be allowed to board transport to the UK without an ETA unless they are exempt.

An ETA is a digital permission to travel and is not a visa or tax. While it allows travelers to board transport to the UK, it does not guarantee entry, as travelers must still pass UK border control.

Who needs an ETA?

The new ETA requirement applies to most visitors from 85 countries who previously traveled visa-free. Visitors using connecting flights and passing through UK passport control also need an ETA, while those transiting through Heathrow or Manchester without passing through passport control do not need one.

British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from needing an ETA. However, dual British citizens must present a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, costing £589, as they will no longer be allowed entry using only a foreign passport.

Bhaarat Dave, deputy head of mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, noted that the new system requires travelers to create a UKVI account, which links their ETA or eVisa digitally to their passport.

What is an eVisa and how does it work?

The UK has fully digitized its immigration system, replacing physical visa stickers with eVisas. An eVisa acts as a digital record of a person’s immigration status, confirming visa type and conditions such as permission to work or study.

Applicants must still visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometric enrollment and identity verification, but passports are returned the same day. Previously, visas could take up to three weeks, as passports were retained until a vignette was issued.

Dave said, “With an eVisa, applicants have to attend the VAC only once to confirm their identity. The passport will be returned at that time, removing the need to collect it later after a vignette is pasted.”

Costs and validity of ETA

Applying for an ETA costs £16, allowing multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months over two years or until the passport expires, whichever is earlier. The ETA is digitally linked to the passport, eliminating the need for a paper copy, although travelers are advised to keep one for records.

Enforcement and travel compliance

Travelers may be denied boarding without a valid ETA, as airlines, rail operators, and shipping companies will conduct automated checks with the Home Office. While an ETA authorizes travel, UK border control retains the right to deny entry if issues arise.

Challenges for dual nationals

Dual nationals cannot apply for an ETA. They must hold a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement. Many dual nationals have reported difficulties obtaining these documents in time, as both can take weeks to process.

A Home Office spokesperson said, “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.”

Why this matters

The ETA system modernizes UK immigration, streamlines travel processes, and enhances border security. It is mandatory for short-term visits, including tourism, business, and short-term study. Longer stays or work-related travel will still require a visa.

Travelers are advised to apply at least three working days before traveling using the official UK ETA app, providing passport details, a photo, and completing security questions.