Dubai-based carrier Emirates has issued a customer alert after the UK switched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to full enforcement. The airline warns that, from 25 February 2026, check-in agents will deny boarding to any visa-exempt traveller who cannot present a valid ETA or e-Visa.
The advisory highlights that the digital permit applies to all visitors—including those with Indefinite Leave to Remain, e-visas or biometric residence cards—who choose to travel on a non-British passport. Emirates is urging customers to apply via the UK ETA app several days before departure to avoid last-minute rebooking costs.
Failure to comply could be expensive. Airlines that transport passengers without a digital permission will face fines under the UK’s Authority-to-Carry regulations, giving carriers every incentive to enforce the rules strictly at check-in. Travellers attempting to rely on old vignette stickers or emailed visa approvals risk being off-loaded.
![Emirates warns UAE passengers: ‘No ETA, no boarding’ for UK flights]()
For travellers who want expert help rather than navigating the ETA app alone, VisaHQ offers a streamlined submission service that checks documentation, uploads details and tracks approvals—reducing the risk of refused boarding. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/.
The warning is part of a broader communications push by Middle-East and Asian carriers, many of whose customers transit through Dubai. Travel-management companies are updating automated workflows so that tickets are not issued until an ETA reference is captured, and global distribution systems are adding hard stops in passenger-name-record fields.
For corporate mobility teams the message is clear: ensure UAE-based staff and contractors apply for an ETA well in advance and travel on the same passport they used for the application. Dual nationals should carry the passport linked to their digital permission to avoid mismatches at the gate.
The advisory highlights that the digital permit applies to all visitors—including those with Indefinite Leave to Remain, e-visas or biometric residence cards—who choose to travel on a non-British passport. Emirates is urging customers to apply via the UK ETA app several days before departure to avoid last-minute rebooking costs.
Failure to comply could be expensive. Airlines that transport passengers without a digital permission will face fines under the UK’s Authority-to-Carry regulations, giving carriers every incentive to enforce the rules strictly at check-in. Travellers attempting to rely on old vignette stickers or emailed visa approvals risk being off-loaded.
For travellers who want expert help rather than navigating the ETA app alone, VisaHQ offers a streamlined submission service that checks documentation, uploads details and tracks approvals—reducing the risk of refused boarding. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/.
The warning is part of a broader communications push by Middle-East and Asian carriers, many of whose customers transit through Dubai. Travel-management companies are updating automated workflows so that tickets are not issued until an ETA reference is captured, and global distribution systems are adding hard stops in passenger-name-record fields.
For corporate mobility teams the message is clear: ensure UAE-based staff and contractors apply for an ETA well in advance and travel on the same passport they used for the application. Dual nationals should carry the passport linked to their digital permission to avoid mismatches at the gate.
