‘No permission, no travel’: a new hard line at the UK border

The new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for entering the UK as a visitor is now in full force, and most dual national British citizens must now enter with a British passport.

For many years, and despite the security challenges of the post 9/11 world, ‘non-visa nationals’ – that is, citizens of certain countries deemed safer by the UK government – could request permission on arrival for holidays, business and family visits. Unless an immigration officer had reason to believe they would breach their conditions, for example by working without permission, attempting to claim benefits or overstaying, they would usually be admitted for up to six months in any rolling 12-month period. Not anymore.

Similarly, British citizens with dual nationality could choose to enter with their ‘other’ passport – alongside non-UK family, for example, or simply to use a shorter queue. That has changed too.

From 25 February 2026, anybody wishing to enter the UK on a passport whose country of nationality is on the ETA list must obtain an ETA before travelling.

Anyone who travels internationally could be affected. Businesses, dual nationals and those travelling spontaneously or frequently should be particularly aware of these changes.

Who needs an ETA?

For the purpose of entering the UK for a visit while living elsewhere, travellers fall into three groups:

1. British and Irish nationals (or those with a valid Certificate of Entitlement): people in this category can enter the UK without any restrictions or prior approval, using their British or Irish passport
2. Nationals on the ETA National List: people in this category face refusal of admission without an ETA before entering the UK
3. Nationals on the Visa National List: people in this category must obtain a full visit visa before entering the UK. This must be applied for well in advance, valid for two, five or 10 years and allow a stay of up to six months in any rolling 12-month period. You don’t need an ETA if you have a visa.

It’s now mandatory for those in the ETA category to obtain an ETA before entering the UK for visits. The ETA programme has been introduced in stages by nationality since 2023 but is now strictly enforced. There are exceptions for school trips from France and Germany. The ETA and Visa National Lists change frequently, so it’s advisable to check before travelling.

The ETA costs £20 and lasts for two years or until the passport expiry date, whichever is sooner. This digital system replaces the need for passport stamps at the border. Criminal convictions and other suitability concerns must also be declared when applying.

The Home Office has tasked airline, rail and ferry carriers with checking passengers’ right to travel to the UK and will impose fines on carriers if they fail to do so. These carriers now have the power – and financial incentive – to deny boarding to anyone who can’t demonstrate this.

What about dual nationals with a British passport?

In short, dual nationals must travel on their British passport to return to the UK under these new rules, but British-Irish dual nationals can travel on either valid passport.

This policy will lead to the unusual scenario of British nationals being denied entry to the UK simply for not carrying their British passport, since British nationals can’t apply for an ETA. This further erodes the principle of an ‘inalienable’ right of entry to the UK for British nationals. Those without a valid British passport who need to return to the UK in an emergency must now obtain an Emergency Travel Document from a British Embassy or Consulate. This isn’t a straightforward process.

British nationals who wish to travel on another passport, and those with the Right of Abode, must now apply for a Certificate of Entitlement, which costs £589 and is accessible digitally.

How can I plan for future travel?

All visitors to the UK must now make additional arrangements before arriving to avoid additional costs and being denied entry, including:

• If eligible, applying for an ETA up to three working days in advance – longer for complex cases – and checking when any pre-existing ETA expires
• Keeping all passports valid and ensuring up-to-date passport details are on their eVisa account
• For dual nationals, ensuring they travel on their British or Irish passport, or hold a Certificate of Entitlement.

Since Brexit, travel between the UK and Europe has become increasingly complex. The EU is expected to introduce its equivalent ETIAS system later this year, and Spain’s border guards will soon have the power to check all passengers’ passports when entering Gibraltar as part of a post-Brexit deal, similar to checks at London St Pancras for Eurostar.

UK systems governing travel and immigration change constantly. As immigration has climbed back up the political agenda and the government adopts an increasingly tough stance, the need for preparedness and vigilance grows.