The Home Office has confirmed that the United Kingdom will begin fully enforcing its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) programme on 25 February 2026, under the banner “No permission, no travel.” From that date, nationals of 85 visa-waiver countries—including the United States, Canada, Australia and all EU member states—must hold an approved ETA or e-Visa before carriers allow them to board transport to the UK.
Although the ETA app and online portal have processed more than 13.3 million applications since the phased launch in October 2023, the scheme has so far relied on a “soft” rollout; airlines were not penalised for carrying travellers who forgot to apply. That grace period ends next winter. Carriers will face fines and potential liability for removal costs if passengers turn up in the UK without digital permission.
![‘No Permission, No Travel’: UK Sets Firm Enforcement Date for Electronic Travel Authorisation]()
Business-mobility specialists say the change has two immediate implications for corporate travel managers. First, traveller profiles must be audited to ensure frequent flyers from visa-waiver markets secure ETAs well in advance—ideally at the time of booking—to avoid denied boarding or missed meetings. Second, HR and mobility teams should update arrival-briefing materials, as the ETA is valid for two years but is electronically linked to a specific passport. Renewing the passport cancels the ETA, a detail that has already stranded some executives during the pilot phase.
The government argues the ETA will strengthen border security and pave the way for a “contactless border” model that could eventually dispense with passport stamping. Digital-rights groups, however, warn of data-privacy and technical-failure risks, noting last year’s e-Gate outages that paralysed Heathrow. Industry bodies such as the Business Travel Association broadly support the scheme but want a robust escalation channel when bulk corporate applications are delayed.
In practical terms, the £16 ETA can be obtained in minutes via a smartphone app, but the Home Office still advises applicants to apply at least three working days ahead of travel. Dual British-Irish citizens are exempt, yet they must travel on their British passport to avoid boarding refusals. Mobility managers should therefore update traveller-risk assessments and ensure travel-approval workflows capture ETA compliance well before February 2026.
Although the ETA app and online portal have processed more than 13.3 million applications since the phased launch in October 2023, the scheme has so far relied on a “soft” rollout; airlines were not penalised for carrying travellers who forgot to apply. That grace period ends next winter. Carriers will face fines and potential liability for removal costs if passengers turn up in the UK without digital permission.
Business-mobility specialists say the change has two immediate implications for corporate travel managers. First, traveller profiles must be audited to ensure frequent flyers from visa-waiver markets secure ETAs well in advance—ideally at the time of booking—to avoid denied boarding or missed meetings. Second, HR and mobility teams should update arrival-briefing materials, as the ETA is valid for two years but is electronically linked to a specific passport. Renewing the passport cancels the ETA, a detail that has already stranded some executives during the pilot phase.
The government argues the ETA will strengthen border security and pave the way for a “contactless border” model that could eventually dispense with passport stamping. Digital-rights groups, however, warn of data-privacy and technical-failure risks, noting last year’s e-Gate outages that paralysed Heathrow. Industry bodies such as the Business Travel Association broadly support the scheme but want a robust escalation channel when bulk corporate applications are delayed.
In practical terms, the £16 ETA can be obtained in minutes via a smartphone app, but the Home Office still advises applicants to apply at least three working days ahead of travel. Dual British-Irish citizens are exempt, yet they must travel on their British passport to avoid boarding refusals. Mobility managers should therefore update traveller-risk assessments and ensure travel-approval workflows capture ETA compliance well before February 2026.
