Dubai-based carrier Emirates has warned passengers that, from 25 February 2026, check-in staff will refuse boarding to any traveller bound for the UK who cannot show a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or e-Visa. The customer advisory, released on 10 January, marks one of the first hardline airline statements since the Home Office announced full ETA enforcement. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/gb/emirates-warns-uae-passengers-no-eta-no-boarding-for-uk-flights/?utm_source=openai))
Emirates emphasises that the rule applies even to travellers who hold UK residence cards but choose to fly on a non-British passport, a scenario common among dual nationals living in the Gulf. The airline also points out that fines under the UK’s Authority-to-Carry regulations make strict gate-level checks commercially unavoidable. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/gb/emirates-warns-uae-passengers-no-eta-no-boarding-for-uk-flights/?utm_source=openai))
![Emirates Issues ‘No ETA, No Boarding’ Alert Ahead of UK Enforcement]()
Need help securing your ETA quickly? VisaHQ’s UK platform guides applicants through the entire process online, provides real-time status updates, and offers dedicated support—making sure you have the right authorisation well before you reach the Emirates check-in desk. Explore the service here: https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/
For corporates routing staff through Dubai, the policy introduces a new critical-path dependency: tickets will not be issued until an ETA number is captured in the reservation system. Travel-management companies are therefore updating workflows and adding API-level hard stops in their global distribution systems. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/gb/emirates-warns-uae-passengers-no-eta-no-boarding-for-uk-flights/?utm_source=openai))
Mobility managers should circulate the airline notice immediately, advise travellers to apply via the UK ETA app several days in advance, and remind dual nationals to carry the passport linked to their digital permission.
Emirates emphasises that the rule applies even to travellers who hold UK residence cards but choose to fly on a non-British passport, a scenario common among dual nationals living in the Gulf. The airline also points out that fines under the UK’s Authority-to-Carry regulations make strict gate-level checks commercially unavoidable. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/gb/emirates-warns-uae-passengers-no-eta-no-boarding-for-uk-flights/?utm_source=openai))
Need help securing your ETA quickly? VisaHQ’s UK platform guides applicants through the entire process online, provides real-time status updates, and offers dedicated support—making sure you have the right authorisation well before you reach the Emirates check-in desk. Explore the service here: https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/
For corporates routing staff through Dubai, the policy introduces a new critical-path dependency: tickets will not be issued until an ETA number is captured in the reservation system. Travel-management companies are therefore updating workflows and adding API-level hard stops in their global distribution systems. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/gb/emirates-warns-uae-passengers-no-eta-no-boarding-for-uk-flights/?utm_source=openai))
Mobility managers should circulate the airline notice immediately, advise travellers to apply via the UK ETA app several days in advance, and remind dual nationals to carry the passport linked to their digital permission.
