UK completes switch to digital immigration status as eVisas replace all physical documents
‘No Permission, No Travel’: Electronic Travel Authorisation now mandatory for all non-visa nationals
Dual British citizens lose foreign-passport work-around at UK border
Latest News
UK warns airlines of hefty fines as carrier-liability rules extended to digital checks
From today, ETA and eVisa failures expose carriers to the same fines that already apply to visa violations. The Home Office has integrated live data feeds, trained 55,000 agents and made airlines the front-line enforcers of ‘digital permission’. Companies that rely on last-minute UK travel should tighten document-verification routines to avoid expensive re-routing if staff are denied boarding.
ONS launches SOC-code overhaul that will reshape sponsored-worker salary thresholds
A consultation opened this month—and flagged again on 25 February—seeks to modernise SOC codes that underpin Skilled Worker ‘going rates’. Changes could recalibrate salary thresholds for thousands of future assignees, so HR and mobility teams have until 11 May 2026 to submit evidence.
UK Enforces Digital Permission to Travel as ETA Becomes Mandatory
The Home Office published its ETA enforcement notice on 24 February, confirming that from 25 February all non-visa nationals must secure a £16 electronic travel authorisation before boarding transport to the UK. Dual British citizens must carry a UK passport or digital Certificate of Entitlement. Employers now face carrier fines and trip disruption if travellers are not ‘ETA-ready’, making pre-trip audits and traveller education essential.
‘Vital’ New Border System: Independent Issues Last-Minute ETA Checklist for Visitors
The Independent’s 24 February explainer provides a last-minute, business-friendly ETA checklist, stressing that travellers without the £16 digital permit—or dual nationals without a British passport—will be denied boarding from 25 February. Corporate mobility teams are advised to audit itineraries and alert staff immediately.
Heathrow Turbulence: 228 Delays and 48 Cancellations Disrupt Business Travel
AirHelp reports that Heathrow logged 228 delayed and 48 canceled flights on 24 February, disrupting itineraries and potentially pushing travellers into the new ETA enforcement window. Companies should review EC 261 compensation rights, line up alternative routings and factor bigger buffers into UK travel plans.
Home Office Issues New Guidance on Refusing Visas After Previous Immigration Breach
New Home Office staff guidance published on 24 February spells out when applicants with past overstays or other breaches must be refused a UK visa. Businesses are urged to vet candidates’ immigration histories early, as digital data from the ETA and eVisa systems will make past non-compliance easier to detect.