UK travel rule starts today as people urged to be ready

As of Wednesday, visitors to Britain will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which is form of digital permission to travel, first introduced in October 2023.

They cost £16 and permit multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.

Those without an ETA will not be able to board their flight, ferry or train.

UK visitors urged to be ‘travel-ready’ following ETA introduction

Enforcement of this new border system for visitors to the country is “vital”, a minister has said.

ETAs aim to “strengthen the UK’s border security,” according to Home Office minister Mike Tapp.

Mr Tapp is now urging anyone planning a trip to the UK to “ensure they are travel-ready”.

He commented: “The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public.

“I’d urge anyone wanting to travel to the UK to ensure they are travel-ready and have the right permission, to make their journey much smoother.”

What is an ETA?

An electronic travel authorisation lets you travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons for up to six months, GOV.UK explains.

Most visitors travelling to the UK need an ETA or a visa, but what exactly you need depends on your nationality and why you’re coming to the country.

GOV.UK shares you usually need an ETA rather than a visa if you’re from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries.

Find out if you need one, or need to apply for one via the GOV.UK website.

Who is exempt from an ETA when travelling to the UK?

British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from the ETA requirement.

But due to the introduction of the border system, dual British citizens will now need a valid British passport to travel to the UK.

Alternatively, they can pay £589 for a certificate of entitlement, which can be applied for on the GOV.UK website to prove they have right of abode in the UK.

Some dual nationals have said enforcement of ETAs is being brought in at short notice and was poorly communicated.

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There are fears that holidays or work trips could be affected if people cannot get a passport or certificate of entitlement in time.

The Home Office previously said public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024, and a “substantive communications campaign” has been running since 2023.

Are you a dual national? Let us know how you have been affected in the comments below.