The United Kingdom is completing the transition period for the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. From now on, travelers who fall under this requirement will not be able to enter the country without a valid authorization. Learn more about the new rules, ETA application deadlines, and important details for dual citizens

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From February 25, 2026, the United Kingdom will begin to fully implement the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. From now on, there will be no transition periods or exceptions: travelers who are required to obtain an ETA must have this document to enter the United Kingdom.

In this article, we explain what exactly will change on February 25, who is affected by the new rules, how this affects dual citizens, and how long it may take to obtain an ETA.

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What is an ETA and why did the UK introduce it?

An ETA is an electronic travel authorization that is part of a large-scale digital reform of the UK's immigration system. The government is gradually digitizing border control processes, and the ETA system has become one of the key elements of this transformation. The goal is to create a fully electronic system for recording people who cross the border of the United Kingdom.

In addition to digitization, ETA performs a security function. The system allows British border services to obtain more accurate data on the number of people arriving in the country and their routes. This improves border control efficiency and overall security.

About the new UK visa rules in 2026 — read here.

What will change in the rules for entering the UK from February 25, 2026?

Until that date, the ETA system operated in transitional mode. Starting February 25, 2026, the requirement becomes absolute: individuals who are required to have an ETA to travel to the UK will not be able to travel without a valid permit. Airlines and carriers will check for ETA before boarding.

In effect, this means that the “soft” implementation phase is over. The British authorities will no longer make concessions for those who have not had time or have forgotten to apply for electronic authorization. Not having an ETA means not being able to enter the country, with no alternative options available on site.

What taxes do expats pay in the UK — find out by following the link.

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Dual citizenship and ETA: important details for holders of two passports

Special attention should be paid to citizens with dual British or Irish citizenship. Such persons are exempt from the requirement to apply for an ETA, but from February 25, they are required to provide documentary evidence of this exemption. These persons will no longer be able to travel to the United Kingdom with a non-British and non-Irish passport.

To confirm exemption from ETA, you must present a valid British passport, a certificate of right of residence in the UK, or a document certifying Irish citizenship. Holders of expired passports must take care of their renewal in advance, especially those who plan to travel after February 25, 2026. Delaying the renewal of documents may result in being denied entry.

How to move to the UK as a foreigner — we explain here.

ETA processing times for the UK and the risk of refusal

The standard processing time for an ETA application is only a few minutes, which makes the process quite fast. However, travelers should allow extra time in case of delays. In some situations, the application review process can take up to three business days, so it is advisable to submit your request in advance, rather than on the eve of departure.

Another important point: if the ETA is denied, there is no appeal mechanism. The applicant must either submit a new ETA application or apply for a separate visa. That is why employers who send employees on business trips to the UK are advised to monitor the validity of their employees' ETAs and plan for processing with extra time.

The ETA is becoming a mandatory part of planning any trip to the United Kingdom. Travelers should take into account the additional procedural step and associated costs at the preparation stage. This applies to tourist trips as well as business visits or transit through the UK.

Employers and HR departments of companies whose employees regularly visit the United Kingdom should implement a system for monitoring the validity of ETAs. Tracking the status of permits will help avoid situations where an employee cannot fly due to an expired or missing electronic permit. It is also worth considering that the cost of the ETA is likely to increase during 2026.

Applying for an ETA is just one of the steps for those planning a long stay or move to the United Kingdom. To legally reside in another country, expats need to apply for a residence permit, which in the future gives them the right to obtain citizenship. Each country has its own procedure and specific requirements for applicants.

You can find up-to-date information and learn about the procedure for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in any country using the immigration guide from Visit World. The guide contains step-by-step instructions for obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit, a complete list of required documents, the cost and processing time for applications, requirements for applicants, rules for filling out the application form, as well as useful life hacks for visiting the country. All information is sent to your email address in PDF format in just a few minutes.

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Reminder! The United Kingdom has signed an agreement to return to the Erasmus+ academic mobility program after a six-year hiatus caused by Brexit. British students, teachers, and pupils will be able to study and intern in Europe again starting in the 2027/28 academic year. For more information on the terms of the agreement, the amount of funding, and the steps to prepare for participation in the program, follow the link.

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