A new electronic travel requirement for visitors to the UK takes effect on Wednesday, affecting citizens from dozens of countries, including the United States and Australia.
The UK government says the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is designed to modernise border controls and strengthen security. However, the rollout has created complications for some dual nationals, who are now required to present specific documentation to re-enter the country.
What is an ETA and who must apply?
An ETA is a digital travel permission required for nationals of 85 countries who previously could enter the UK without a visa. From 25 February, eligible travellers must obtain this authorisation before departure.
Once granted, an ETA allows stays of up to six months for tourism, business or short-term study. It is valid for two years, or until the passport used in the application expires, and permits multiple entries.
Passengers transiting through UK airports without passing border control are exempt. However, those crossing the UK border as part of a journey will need an ETA. Travellers planning to work or study for longer periods must still apply for a visa.
British and Irish citizens do not require an ETA. Other exemptions include individuals with settled status and certain school groups travelling from France.
Although the scheme was introduced in October 2023, enforcement was initially light to allow travellers time to adapt. Authorities confirmed in November that compliance would become mandatory from 25 February.
Application process and cost
An ETA currently costs £16, with plans to raise the fee to £20. Applications are submitted online, primarily through a mobile app available via Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Applicants must provide passport and contact details, upload a photograph and answer background questions. The ETA is digitally linked to the passport used during the application, and travellers must use that same passport when entering the UK.
Most decisions are issued within minutes, though the government advises applying at least three working days before travel. If an application is rejected, individuals may reapply. However, if it is formally refused, there is no right of appeal and the traveller must seek a visa instead.
Enforcement at departure and arrival
Transport operators — including airlines, rail providers and ferry companies — have been equipped with systems to verify ETA status through automated checks with the Home Office. Passengers without valid authorisation may be denied boarding.
While no physical document is required at the border, as the ETA is electronically linked to the passport, travellers may keep confirmation details for their records. Importantly, holding an ETA does not guarantee entry; border officials retain discretion at passport control.
Challenges for dual nationals
The new system has proven particularly complex for dual nationals who hold both British citizenship and another nationality. They are not eligible to apply for an ETA.
Instead, they must present either a valid British passport or a digital certificate of entitlement attached to their non-British passport when travelling to the UK. Without one of these documents, they risk being denied boarding or entry.
British passports and certificates of entitlement are not issued automatically upon acquiring citizenship. As a result, some dual nationals who have lived in the UK for years have never applied for them. Processing times can take several weeks, and costs are significant — around £100 for a passport and £589 for a certificate of entitlement.
Previously, dual nationals could depart and re-enter the UK using their non-British passport. Several have reported difficulties meeting the new requirements, particularly those already overseas when the stricter enforcement date was confirmed.
A spokesperson for the Home Office said guidance for dual nationals has been publicly available since October 2024, and that a broader communications campaign on the ETA system has been under way since 2023.
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