Eta Travel: UK enforces digital permission from 25 February as dual nationals face risk of refusal

New rules that require an Electronic Travel Authorisation are in force from 25 February, and the eta travel requirement affects visitors from dozens of countries. The move is billed as a modernisation of border controls, but it has precipitated immediate problems for dual nationals who may be refused boarding unless they can present proof of their British status.

Eta Travel: who must apply and what an ETA allows

The eta travel system covers visitors from 85 different countries, including nationals of the United States, Canada, France, Australia and other states that previously benefitted from visa‑free access. Once approved, an Electronic Travel Authorisation permits multiple journeys, allows stays in the UK of up to six months, and remains valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.

Permitted visit purposes under the ETA include tourism, business and short‑term study. People transiting through the UK who do not need to pass through border control at an airport will not need an ETA. Longer trips and visits for work or longer study still require a visa, and people who usually need a visa will continue to need one rather than an ETA.

How carriers and border checks will enforce the system

From 25 February international carriers will check passengers for valid permission or status to travel to the UK. Airlines and other carriers may prevent passengers from boarding if they do not have an ETA, an eVisa or other valid documentation. ETAs are also mandatory for anyone making connecting flights in the UK.

For British or Irish citizens the correct permission is a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement; at their own discretion carriers may accept some expired British passports as alternative documentation. Those who do not present a British passport or a certificate proving their right to enter the UK may be refused boarding on a flight, ferry or train.

Impact on British dual nationals and the wave of disrupted travel plans

Dual nationals cannot obtain an ETA under the new rules and therefore must travel on a valid British passport or present a Certificate of Entitlement to prove their right to enter. The government declined calls for a short grace period from families, the3million campaign group, the Liberal Democrats and the former minister David Davis to allow British dual nationals time to adapt to the new arrangements.

Hundreds of dual nationals have described acute disruption in the days before enforcement. Examples include one man who cancelled a flight to his father’s memorial service, a family missing a grandparent’s 80th birthday, and another traveller who cancelled a trip to Spain for a wedding. Many said they only became aware of the rule in the last 10 days through media coverage.

Specific cases highlighted include a constituent living in the Netherlands who was no longer able to visit a dying mother in a care home in Yorkshire because her passport was stuck with authorities awaiting renewal. Another example involves a British couple honeymooning in New Zealand who scrambled to return and cancel accommodation because the husband is a dual national without his British passport available. Separately, some EU citizens who have recently naturalised in the UK cannot apply for a British passport until their citizenship ceremony, potentially preventing them from receiving a passport in time for imminent travel.

Origins, costs and government rationale for the ETA

The ETA scheme was launched in October 2023 but was not strictly enforced initially to give visitors time to adjust; in November the government set a mandatory start date of 25 February. The stated aim is to streamline, speed up and make border processing more secure as part of a wider digitisation of immigration controls.

An ETA costs £16 at present, with a planned future increase to £20. The fee has been presented as competitive with comparable systems: for example, a US travel authorisation costs $40 and the EU’s ETIAS is expected to cost around €20 when implemented.

Practical checklist for travellers under the new rules

• British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, should travel with a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement; carriers may at their discretion accept some expired British passports.
• Non‑visa nationals from the 85 listed countries must obtain an ETA before travel; those transiting without entering border control are exempt.
• Passengers who usually need a visa will continue to require that visa; they do not also need an ETA.
• If you are planning travel under the eta travel rules and lack the required documentation, boarding may be refused and immediate alternatives are limited.

Where details in individual cases are unclear in the provided context, travellers should note the uncertainty rather than assume exemptions beyond those described above.