New travel rules for UK visitors come into force — what you need to know

The United Kingdom’s electronic travel authorisation system has officially commenced operations as of Wednesday, requiring citizens from 85 nations, including the United States and Australia, to obtain digital permission before entering British territory. Whilst the government maintains the initiative will modernise border control procedures, the implementation has created considerable difficulties for dual nationals attempting to comply with the revised regulations.

The electronic travel authorisation represents a digital clearance system granting permission to visit the UK. From 25 February, the majority of travellers who previously enjoyed visa-free access to Britain must secure an authorisation prior to departure. The system applies to nationals from 85 designated countries, permitting approved applicants to remain in the United Kingdom for periods up to six months.

Each authorisation remains valid for two years or until passport expiration, whichever occurs first, and permits multiple entries into British territory. Eligible purposes include tourism, business activities and short-term educational pursuits. Travellers passing through the UK en route to other destinations must also obtain authorisation, although passengers transiting through British airports without clearing border security remain exempt from the requirement.

Extended visits and employment-related travel continue to necessitate formal visa applications. Individuals already requiring visas for UK entry will not need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation in addition to their existing documentation. British and Irish citizens face no new requirements, retaining unrestricted access to the United Kingdom without authorisation or visa.

Several categories of travellers are exempt from the system, including those holding settled status and children travelling from France on organised school trips. The scheme launched in October 2023, though enforcement remained flexible initially to permit adjustment to the new framework. In November, authorities confirmed the mandatory implementation date of 25 February.

Government officials assert the electronic system will streamline immigration procedures, accelerate processing times and enhance security measures at British borders.

Securing an electronic travel authorisation currently costs £16, though authorities have indicated plans to increase the fee to £20 in future. The government recommends applicants download the dedicated application from Google Play or the Apple App Store. The process requires submission of contact details, passport information, a suitable photograph and responses to screening questions.

Travellers must present the identical passport used during the authorisation application when entering the United Kingdom. Most applicants receive automated responses within minutes when using the official application, though authorities recommend submission at least three working days before intended travel dates.

Should an application be rejected, the government provides reasons for the decision and permits reapplication. However, if an application is formally refused, no appeals process exists and applicants must instead pursue standard visa applications to visit Britain.

Airlines, rail operators and shipping companies have received verification tools from the UK government enabling automated digital checks with the Home Office during passenger check-in procedures. Travellers may be denied boarding without valid authorisation. The system digitally links authorisations to passports, eliminating requirements for paper documentation at borders, though the government suggests retaining copies for personal records.

Possession of a valid electronic travel authorisation grants permission to visit but does not guarantee entry rights. All arrivals must still proceed through standard passport control, and border officials retain authority to refuse entry despite valid authorisation if other concerns arise during inspection.

The implementation has created substantial complications for dual nationals holding both British and foreign citizenship. Such individuals cannot obtain electronic travel authorisations and must instead present either a British passport or a digital certificate of entitlement attached to their alternative nationality passport. Failure to possess either document may result in denial of travel rights to the United Kingdom.

Neither British passports nor certificates of entitlement are automatically issued upon citizenship acquisition, meaning some dual nationals who have resided in Britain for decades never applied for these documents. Both require several weeks for processing and carry significant costs. Adult British passports cost approximately £100, whilst certificates of entitlement carry a £589 fee.

Previously, dual nationals could depart and re-enter the United Kingdom using non-British passports without restriction. Several British dual nationals have reported difficulties obtaining British passports to satisfy the new requirements. Some individuals remained outside the country when rule changes were announced and maintain they received insufficient time to adjust to the modifications.

A Home Office spokesperson indicated that public information advising dual nationals to carry appropriate documents has been available since October 2024, and a comprehensive communications campaign regarding electronic travel authorisation implementation has operated since 2023.

The United Kingdom joins several nations already operating similar systems, including Canada and the United States, though costs vary considerably. A Canadian electronic travel authorisation costs 7 Canadian dollars, equivalent to £3.78, whilst the American equivalent requires payment of $40.27, approximately £29.75.