28/09/2026
The UK ETA system is now fully enforced. Since 25 February 26, eligible visa-exempt passengers must hold an approved ETA before travelling to the UK. Carriers must check the passenger’s permission to travel before boarding. (GOV.UK)
Travel agents are therefore requested to ensure that passengers are correctly advised and that appropriate travel authorization is obtained before ticketing/travel, where applicable.
1. Who generally needs an ETA?
Passengers travelling to the UK who are nationals of countries that do not normally require a visa for short visits will generally require an ETA.
This includes, among others, eligible nationals from:
European countries (excluding Ireland)
USA
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Japan
South Korea
Singapore
Gulf countries and other eligible nationalities
The requirement depends on the nationality and passport being used for travel, as well as the purpose of the journey. Agents must always verify the passenger’s individual requirements using the official UK Government checker. (GOV.UK)
2. ETA application
An ETA:
Costs ÂŁ20.
Is electronically linked to the passenger’s passport.
Normally permits travel to the UK for visits of up to six months, subject to the applicable immigration rules.
Allows multiple journeys while it remains valid.
Is linked to the specific passport used in the application.
Passengers should apply using the official UK Government service and should be warned against unofficial websites that may charge additional fees. (GOV.UK)
3. Passport changes
Travel Agents must ensure that the passenger travels with the same passport used for the ETA application.
If the passenger obtains a new passport after receiving an ETA, the ETA will generally need to be associated with the new passport through a new application.
Agents should therefore check:
Passport number → Passport validity → Passenger nationality → ETA status before travel.
4. Children and infants
Every passenger requires their own ETA, including:
Adults
Children
Infants and babies
An ETA application may be submitted on behalf of another person, including a child. (GOV.UK)
5. Passengers who do NOT normally require an ETA
An ETA is not required where the passenger, for example:
Holds a valid British passport;
Holds a valid Irish passport;
Holds a valid UK visa;
Has permission to live, work or study in the UK;
Holds applicable settled or pre-settled status;
Has another applicable exemption from UK immigration control;
Is travelling through a UK airport airside without passing UK border control, subject to the applicable transit rules. (GOV.UK)
6. British dual nationals
Particular attention must be given to passengers who hold British citizenship in addition to another nationality.
A British citizen cannot obtain an ETA. They should normally travel using:
A valid British passport; or
Another valid passport together with a certificate of entitlement confirming their right of abode in the UK.
Agents should specifically ask passengers who state that they have British citizenship whether they are travelling on a British passport or otherwise have appropriate evidence of their right to enter the UK. (GOV.UK)
7. UK transit passengers
Travel Agents must carefully check whether a passenger is:
Airside transit:
The passenger remains airside and does not pass UK border control. An ETA may not be required.
Landside transit:
The passenger passes through UK border control before continuing their journey. An ETA may be required.
Where there is any uncertainty, the passenger should check the requirement with the relevant airline and UK Government guidance before travel. (GOV.UK)
8. EU nationals
Citizens of EU countries other than Ireland generally require an ETA for short visits to the UK unless they have another form of UK immigration permission or qualify for an exemption.
Passengers travelling under the EU Settlement Scheme, for example, should ensure that their UK immigration status is correctly linked to the passport they intend to use for travel. (GOV.UK)
9. Travel Agent responsibility
All Travel Agents are requested to:
Check the passenger’s nationality and passport details.
Determine whether an ETA or UK visa is required.
Advise the passenger to obtain the necessary authorization before travel.
Ensure that the passenger uses the passport linked to the ETA.
Pay particular attention to children and infants.
Check transit itineraries carefully.
Identify potential British/dual-nationality cases.
Ensure passengers with UK immigration status have the appropriate digital status/eVisa linked to their travel document.
Recheck requirements where there has been a passport change.
Advise passengers that holding an ETA does not guarantee admission to the UK; final permission to enter remains subject to UK immigration requirements. (GOV.UK)
10. Important – Do not rely on previous travel experience
Travel Agents should not assume that a passenger who previously travelled to the UK without an ETA can continue to do so.
UK entry requirements have changed and depend on nationality, passport, immigration status, purpose of travel, and transit rrangements.
Check the applicable requirement for each journey.
Official UK Government information
Agents should use the official UK Government website for the latest requirements:
UK ETA:
Official UK Government ETA guidance
Check whether a passenger needs an ETA:
UK Government – Check when you can get an ETA
UK ETA exemptions:
UK Government – When you do not need an ETA
FINAL REMINDER
NO VALID ETA / VISA / IMMIGRATION PERMISSION = POTENTIAL DENIAL OF BOARDING
All Travel Agents are requested to ensure that passengers are properly advised and that their UK travel requirements are verified before departure.
Please circulate this memo to all relevant sales, reservations, and ticketing personnel and ensure that the information is incorporated into the passenger booking and pre-travel checking process.
