Countries Affected by the UK’s New Travel Rules for Visitors

A new UK travel system for visitors is set to begin for citizens of dozens of countries, including the United States and Australia.

The UK government says the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will improve the immigration system by making it smoother, faster, and more secure.

However, the change has created problems for dual nationals,people who hold UK citizenship and the citizenship of another country, especially those who previously travelled using only their non-British passport.

What is an ETA, and who needs it?

An ETA is a digital travel permission that allows you to travel to the UK.

From 25 February 2026, most people who can normally travel to the UK visa-free will now need an ETA before travelling.

Once approved, an ETA allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months. It is valid for two years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first), and it allows multiple trips.

It covers visits for tourism, business, or short-term study.

People transiting through the UK may also need an ETA, but passengers who do not pass through border control at UK airports do not need one.

If you are travelling for longer stays, work, or long-term study, you will still need the appropriate visa. People who already need a visa to visit the UK will continue to apply for a visa and do not apply for an ETA.

British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. Some other exceptions also apply, including people with settled status, and certain children travelling from France on school trips.

How to get an ETA, and how much it costs

An ETA currently costs £16, though the government says it plans to increase the fee to £20 in the future.

The government recommends applying through the official ETA app (available on Google Play and the Apple App Store). You will need to provide your passport details, contact details, a clear photo, and answer a few questions.

You must travel using the same passport you used for the application.

Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, but travellers are advised to apply at least three working days before travel.

If your application is refused, you will be told the reason. You can apply again, but there is no appeal process; you would need to apply for a visa instead.

How the rules will be enforced

Without a valid ETA, you may not be allowed to check in for your journey.

Airlines, rail operators, and shipping companies have been given tools to confirm travel permission through digital checks linked to the UK Home Office. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so you do not need a paper copy, although keeping a record is still recommended.

An ETA allows you to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee entry. You still have to pass passport control, and you can still be refused entry if border officials identify other issues.

Why are dual nationals having problems

Dual nationals who hold UK citizenship cannot apply for an ETA.

To enter the UK, they must present either:

• a British passport, or
• a digital version of a certificate of entitlement attached to their non-British passport.

If they do not have either, they may be denied the right to travel back to the UK.

Previously, many dual nationals could leave and return using only their non-British passport. Now, some people have been caught out because getting the correct documents can take several weeks and can be expensive. An adult British passport costs about £100, while a certificate of entitlement costs £589.

Countries and territories whose citizens will need an ETA for short UK visits

Andorra

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Australia

Austria

The Bahamas

Bahrain

Barbados

Belgium

Belize

Brazil

Brunei

Bulgaria

Canada

Chile

Costa Rica

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Grenada

Guatemala

Guyana

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Israel

Japan

Kiribati

Kuwait

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Macao Special Administrative Region

Malaysia

Maldives

Malta

Marshall Islands

Mauritius

Mexico

Federated States of Micronesia

Monaco

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Norway

Oman

Palau

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay

Peru

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Romania

Samoa

San Marino

Saudi Arabia

Seychelles

Singapore

Solomon Islands

South Korea

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Tonga

Tuvalu

United Arab Emirates

United States

Uruguay

Vatican City