Citizens from dozens of countries, including the United States, Canada and France, will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, as new travel regulations come into force today.
People hailing from 85 different countries will now need to obtain an electronic travel permit before travel, or risk being denied boarding on flights to the country.
Initially introduced in 2023 yet not fully enforced until now, visitors who do not require a visa to enter the United Kingdom must now spend £16 on a pre-travel permit in order to travel.
Although the Home Office said it is a significant step towards digitising the immigration system and paves the way for a contactless UK border in the future, the news has prompted confusion among those holding dual citizenship.
Dual citizens – meaning people who hold British citizenship alongside another nationality – do not need to present an ETA but must show a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement.
However, as neither of these documents is automatically issued, some dual citizens without valid documents have been left unable to travel on their other passport.
It’s led to a scramble among some to update their documents, even though it comes at a cost: a new passport is around £100, and a Certificate of Entitlement costs £589.
Addressing the controversy, conservative MP David Davis said: “British nationals should not be disadvantaged simply because they hold a second nationality. Yet under the new arrangements, dual British citizens are being treated as foreign visitors in their own country. The practical effect is that some are being prevented from boarding flights and returning home.”
Here’s what you need to know about the ETA updates.
Much like the electronic visas you see in Canada and the United States, an ETA is an electronic visa that people of 85 countries must now present when accessing the UK.
From February 25, 2026, nationalities that don’t need to apply for a visa to access the UK must now obtain an ETA before arrival.
The ETA will allow visitors to stay in the UK for up to 6 months and is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires.
Who is exempt from the UK ETA?
People who hold British or Irish citizenship don’t need to apply for an ETA to get into the UK.
There are also other exceptions, such as people with settled status or the right of abode, or those who hold a passport for a British overseas territory. There are also exemptions for children from France travelling to the UK for a school trip.
Dual citizens cannot get an ETA and must prove their UK citizenship with a valid passport or certificate of entitlement.
How to get an ETA for the UK?
The UK government encourages people to complete the ETA process via the mobile UK ETA app, available on Google Play or the App Store.
During the process, you’ll need to use your phone camera to take a picture of your passport as well as a picture of your face.
You’ll also need to pay £16 during the process, although reports suggest the fee may increase to £20 in the future.
Applicants can expect a decision within 3 working days, at which time you’ll receive a 16-digit code confirming your access to the UK via email.
However, you’ll only need to show your passport when you enter the country.
People from 85 visa-free nationalities cannot travel to the UK without receiving the confirmation email.