UK Introduces New Travel Entry System
The UK has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system that affects dual nationals differently depending on which passport they use. Travelers with dual citizenship should carefully review the new rules to avoid unexpected complications at the border.
- The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel to the UK for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the country. - The application costs £16 and is valid for multiple entries over two years, or until the holder's passport expires. The government has indicated that the fee is likely to increase to £20 in the future. - Travelers can apply through the 'UK ETA' app, and while most decisions are made within minutes, the official advice is to apply at least three working days before travel. - As of February 25, 2026, the ETA is mandatory for all eligible visa-exempt travelers, and carriers will deny boarding to those without one. - The stated goals of the ETA system are to strengthen border security by screening visitors in advance and to create a more streamlined, digital immigration process. - This system aligns the UK with other countries that have similar digital travel authorization programs, such as the United States' ESTA, Australia's ETA, and Canada's eTA. - The European Union is also planning to introduce a similar system called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to be operational in the last quarter of 2026. - British and Irish citizens are exempt from needing an ETA, and this exemption extends to dual citizens.
