Travelling to the UK in 2026? New ETA Rules, eVisas and Digital Border Checks Explained

The UK’s transition to a fully digital immigration system is accelerating. From eVisas to the introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs), travellers and visa holders must ensure they are compliant before travelling to the UK for any purpose.

Here is what these changes mean in practice.

1. Visitor Visa Holders Must Create a UKVI Account

Those with an approved Visitor visa will need to:

• Create a UKVI account

• Link their visa to their eVisa

• Ensure their current passport is linked to their digital status

  
  

Before travelling, individuals must sign in to their UKVI account to:

• View their eVisa

• Prove their permission to enter the UK

  
  

The Home Office has confirmed that, by the end of 2026, all successful visa applicants from outside the UK will be issued with an eVisa. In other words, physical documents are being phased out in favour of digital-only immigration status.

2. ETA Requirement Expands From 25 February 2026

From 25 February 2026, all non-visa nationals will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK for short stays (up to 6 months). This includes citizens of:

• EU countries

• EEA countries

• Switzerland

• USA

• Canada

• Australia

This marks a major shift. Previously, many of these nationals could travel to the UK without prior authorisation.

Important Points About the ETA

• Airlines and transport providers will check that travellers hold a valid ETA before boarding.

• Without a valid ETA, boarding will be refused.

• An ETA is permission to travel, not permission to enter.

• Final admission is always determined at the UK border.

  
  

This means that all travellers entering the UK will now be subject to digital pre-travel status checks.

3. Who Does NOT Need an ETA?

You do not need an ETA if:

• You are a British or Irish citizen

• You already hold a UK visa

• You have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including EU settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)

• You are transiting through a UK airport and will not pass border control

• You are travelling with a British Overseas Territories citizen passport

• You are travelling with a British National (Overseas) passport

• You live in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

• You are a child travelling under the France-UK school trip travel scheme

• You are exempt from immigration control

• You are awaiting a decision under the EU Settlement Scheme

  
  

Even if you are exempt from the ETA requirement, you must ensure that your current passport is correctly linked to your UK immigration status on the eVisa portal.

Failure to update passport details can lead to boarding issues or delays at the border.

4. The Practical Risk: Digital Mismatch

As the system becomes fully digital, the most common issues we anticipate include:

• Passport numbers not linked to eVisa accounts

• Expired passports not updated in UKVI accounts

• Travellers assuming they do not need an ETA

• Confusion around visa and non-visa nationals

• Confusion between ‘permission to travel’ and ‘permission to enter’

  
  

Airlines are now frontline immigration gatekeepers. If your digital status cannot be verified, you may be denied boarding.

5. Strategic Advice for Travellers and Visa Holders

In this new environment:

• Check your UKVI account well in advance of travel

• Ensure your current passport is linked

• Confirm whether you require an ETA

• Do not assume previous travel rules still apply

  
  

The UK immigration system is becoming fully digital and increasingly compliance-driven.

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The expansion of eVisas and ETAs represents one of the most significant structural changes to UK border control in recent years. While designed to streamline and modernise the system, it also places greater responsibility on travellers to ensure their digital status is accurate and up to date.

At Lace Law, we continue to monitor these developments closely.

If you are unsure whether you need an ETA, need assistance linking your passport to your eVisa, or would like to discuss your travel or visa status, contact us today for tailored advice.