The £10 Mistake That Could Ruin Your UK Trip. ETA Enforcement Begins 25 February

What Changes on 25 February

From this date, the Home Office will remove transitional arrangements that have allowed some visitors to enter without an ETA. The message is simple: **no permission, no travel**.

Anyone arriving at UK border control without a valid ETA, e-Visa, or visa will be refused entry. Airlines and transport operators face penalties for carrying passengers without proper documentation, meaning they will deny boarding to anyone lacking the required authorisation.

Who Needs an ETA

The scheme applies to visitors from **85 visa-waiver nationalities** including:

- United States

- Canada

- Australia

- New Zealand

- European Union countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.)

- Japan

- South Korea

- Singapore

British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. Holders of valid UK visas or settled status are also exempt.

The Dual Citizen Trap

One common mistake could derail trips for thousands of travellers. **Dual citizens holding British passports must use their British passport to enter the UK**, or obtain a Certificate of Entitlement to the right of abode.

An Australian-British dual national, for example, cannot enter on their Australian passport with an ETA. They must either:

- Present their British passport at check-in and border control

- Apply for a Certificate of Entitlement (cost: £550)

This catches many travellers unaware, particularly those who routinely travel on their non-British passport.

How to Apply

The ETA application process is straightforward:

**Cost:** £10 per person

**Processing time:** Usually within 3 working days, sometimes within hours

**Validity:** 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)

**Application:** Via the official UK ETA app or gov.uk website

Each traveller needs their own ETA, including children and infants. The £10 fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused.

What Happens Without One

From 25 February 2026, attempting to travel without an ETA will result in:

- Denied boarding by airlines, ferry companies, or Eurostar

- Refusal of entry at UK border control

- Potential deportation and future travel restrictions

The enforcement will be absolute. There are no exceptions for forgotten applications or last-minute travel.

Timeline for Travellers

**If you are visiting the UK before 25 February:** Apply now or check if your ETA is still valid.

**If you are visiting from 25 February onwards:** You must have an ETA before boarding your transport.

**If you are a dual British citizen:** Check which passport you have booked your travel with. Ensure you carry and present your British passport.

The Bottom Line

The £10 ETA is a small cost compared to a ruined holiday or business trip. With 13 days until full enforcement, visitors should apply now rather than risk being turned away at the departure gate.

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**Key Dates:**

- **Full enforcement begins:** 25 February 2026

- **ETA cost:** £10 per person

- **Processing time:** Up to 3 working days

- **Validity:** 2 years

**How to Apply:**

- Official app: UK ETA (available on iOS and Android)

- Website: <https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta>

**Sources:**

- <https://www.gov.uk/government/news/no-permission-no-travel-uk-set-to-enforce-eta-scheme> (GOV.UK, November 2025)

- <https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet-november-2025/> (Home Office)

- <https://citizensrightsproject.org/what-is-an-eta-and-do-i-need-one-new-uk-travel-regulations-from-february-2026/> (Citizens Rights Project)