A new travel system for visitors to the UK comes into force from Wednesday for citizens of 85 countries, including the US and Australia.
The government says electronic travel authorization (ETA) will improve the immigration system.
However, it has created problems for dual nationals, who need to get a UK passport to follow the new rules.
What is an ETA and who needs one?
An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK.
The new rules apply to people from 85 different countries.
Getting an ETA costs £16, but the government has said it plans to increase the fee to £20 in the future.
Once approved, your ETA will allow you to stay in the UK for up to six months. It will be valid for two years, or until your passport expires, and allows multiple journeys to the UK.
The visit can be for things like tourism, business or short-term study.
It can also be for people who cross the border and travel through the UK as part of a journey, although people transiting through UK airports and who don’t need to go through border security will not need an ETA.
Longer trips and visits for work or longer study will require a visa.
People who usually need a visa to travel to the UK will still need a visa to travel to the UK. They will not need to apply for an ETA as well.
British or Irish citizens will not need an ETA or a visa to visit the UK or to travel through it. There are a few other exceptions, such as those with settled status or children traveling from France on a school trip.
The scheme was launched in October 2023 but the government says it was “not strictly enforced to give visitors ample time to adjust to the new requirement”.
The government says ETAs will streamline the immigration system, speed it up and make it more efficient.
Passengers without digital permission to travel will be prevented from boarding.
Dual British citizens advised to ensure they have a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement before they travel
As of September 2025, 19.6 million ETAs have been granted.
Visitors to the UK need an ETA if they do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months, or do not already have a UK immigration status. The requirements mean carriers such as airlines will now prevent eligible visitors without an ETA from boarding.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said:
“The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border security, ensuring we have oversight of who is entering our country.”
“Anyone wanting to visit the UK should ensure they are travel ready and have the right permission. This includes dual citizens, who should ensure they have a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement.”
ETAs are also mandatory for visitors who arrive in the UK to take connecting flights and go through passport control.
However, it is still recommended that visitors allow up to three working days before they plan to travel to receive their decision, to account for the small number of cases that require additional review.
- Check if you can get an Electronic Travel Authorisation: Check if you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK
- Guidance for dual British citizens: Electronic travel authorisation (ETA): guide for dual citizens – GOV.UK
- Further information about ETA
