Emirates warns passengers as UK to enforce mandatory ETA travel rule from February 2026

Emirates has issued a travel warning to passengers heading to the UK ahead of major changes to entry requirements that will come into force in early 2026.

Travellers to the UK will face a fully digitised immigration system, including the replacement of physical immigration documents with eVisas and the mandatory introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for eligible visa-free visitors.

From 25 February 2026, visitors who do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months will not be able to legally travel to the UK without an ETA.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital permission to travel. From 25 February 2026, eligible visitors without an ETA will not be allowed to board their transport and cannot legally travel to the UK.

Visitors from 85 nationalities, including the United States, Canada and France, who currently do not require a visa, will need to obtain an ETA before travelling.

Emirates travel warning

Emirates has advised passengers that they will not be allowed to board flights to the UK if they do not have the required ETA documentation.

In a statement, Emirates said: “Travel requirements to the UK are changing. This includes moving from physical immigration documents to eVisas and introducing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which is a digital permission to travel.

“If you do not need a visa to visit the UK for short stays of up to six months, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Check when you need an ETA to travel to the UK and apply: www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation

“From 25 February 2026, eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot legally travel to the UK.

“If you hold a UK visa and use a physical immigration document to prove your rights, or if you have an expired biometric residence permit (BRP) or card (BCP), you should take action now to access your eVisa by creating a UK Visas and Immigration account: www.gov.uk/eVisa

“If you have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and prove your immigration status with a passport stamp or vignette, you can make a free No Time Limit application to access an eVisa”.

Should you already have an eVisa, Emirates advises you tell the UK Government about the passport you intend to use for travel if it is not already linked to your eVisa UK Visas and Immigration account: www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details .

UK travel rules

Since the launch of ETA in October 2023, more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully applied, benefiting from faster and smoother journeys. ETA is now a fundamental part of travel to the UK, including for passengers taking connecting flights and passing through UK passport control.

Enforcement of the new system will mean that all travellers to the UK must hold digital permission through either an ETA or an eVisa, with transport carriers required to check documentation before travel.

The UK government has said the phased approach mirrors similar schemes in countries such as the United States and Canada, where new travel authorisation requirements were initially introduced without strict enforcement to allow travellers time to adjust.

Mike Tapp, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said: “ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration.”

He added: “ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitising the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience.”

Applying for an ETA

Applications are made through the official UK ETA app. The cost is £16 ($21.5). While most applicants currently receive an automatic decision within minutes, travellers are advised to allow up to three working days for cases requiring additional review.

British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt from the ETA requirement. However, the UK government strongly advises dual British citizens to ensure they hold a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid being denied boarding when travelling to the UK from 25 February 2026.