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Non-visa nationals require digital permission to travel to the UK from today

Release Date
2026-02-25
Media
Electronic Immigration Network
Summary
The United Kingdom began full enforcement of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system on February 25, 2026. Travelers from visa-exempt countries must now obtain digital permission before traveling, and airlines and other carriers are required to verify this authorization before boarding. Passengers without valid permission may be denied travel. British and Irish citizens are exempt, but British citizens must prove their right to enter with a valid UK passport or a Certificate of Entitlement.

The ETA requirement forms part of the UK’s transition to a fully digital immigration system. Permission to travel will be provided through ETA, eVisas, or other approved documentation, typically linked electronically to a traveler’s passport. The system is intended to strengthen border security by identifying risks before travel while also making entry procedures faster and more efficient.

At the same time, the UK is replacing paper-based immigration documents with digital records. Most visitor visa applicants will now receive eVisas instead of physical visa stickers, and the government plans to eliminate physical visa documents entirely by the end of 2026. These reforms are designed to modernize border control and support a future contactless immigration system.
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