UAE Joins Saudi Arabia, United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Japan, And More As New UK ETA Requirement Comes Into Effect From February 2026 As Emirates Airline Issues Urgent Travel Advisory

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UAE joins Saudi Arabia, United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Japan, and more as the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement comes into effect from February 2026. This new regulation mandates all travellers from these nations to obtain an ETA before entering the UK, a move designed to enhance border security and streamline the entry process. In response, Emirates Airline has issued an urgent travel advisory, urging passengers to apply for the necessary authorisation well in advance of their journey. With the ETA now a critical step in the travel process, this change underscores the increasing reliance on digital systems to manage global travel and immigration controls.

Emirates Airline has issued an urgent travel advisory for UAE residents and visitors planning to travel to the United Kingdom, urging them to secure a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding. Starting 26 February 2026, all visa-exempt nationals, including those from the UAE, must apply for an ETA before they can board flights to Britain. This major policy shift, which will affect a wide range of travellers, comes as the UK Home Office finalizes the roll-out of its fully digital border system, aiming to enhance security and streamline the travel experience.

In this article, we will break down the key details of this new UK ETA requirement, explore which countries are affected, and provide guidance on how travellers can comply with these changes.

The UK ETA Requirement: What You Need to Know

From 26 February 2026, nationals from countries that previously didn’t require a visa to visit the UK will be required to apply for an ETA online or via a mobile app before their journey. The ETA is a digital pre-departure authorisation, not a visa, which must be obtained before travel. It is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and costs £16 (approximately AED 80).

Passengers who fail to present an approved ETA before check-in will be denied boarding, similar to the US ESTA process. However, those who already hold a UK visa or residence permit are exempt from applying for the ETA, but they will need to transition to the new UKVI e-Visa platform by the end of 2026.

Emirates Airlines has already alerted passengers to this requirement by issuing pop-ups on their booking engine, SMS alerts, and by training check-in agents at Dubai International Airport. The airline is also advising passengers, especially those traveling on short notice or with children, to apply for their ETA well in advance to avoid last-minute complications.

Countries Affected by the UK ETA Rollout

The new ETA system will affect nationals from countries that were previously granted visa-free access to the UK. These countries include a mix of developed nations, as well as regions across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Here’s a breakdown of the countries and regions impacted by this change:

• UAE (United Arab Emirates)
• Saudi Arabia
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• Singapore
• Japan
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• EU Member Countries (e.g., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, etc.)
• European Economic Area (EEA) Countries
• Hong Kong SAR
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Israel
• Seychelles
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Saint Lucia
• Belize
• Costa Rica
• Chile
• Mexico
• Panama
• Maldives
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Grenada
• Uruguay
• Bermuda
• Jamaica

The full list includes over 85 visa-exempt countries. Nationals from these countries who currently enter the UK with just a passport will need to apply for the UK ETA starting in February 2026.

What Is the UK ETA and Why Is It Being Implemented?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is part of the UK’s post-Brexit border transformation. The UK Home Office has stated that the ETA will enhance security, streamline entry procedures, and reduce the need for physical passport stamping. The long-term goal is to allow for frictionless entry via e-gates for ETA holders, similar to the system currently used for UK and EU nationals.

The ETA system is also designed to help the UK government better track visitors arriving in the country. This digital system is expected to create a more efficient and secure border system, which is especially important given the evolving security landscape post-Brexit.

The Process of Applying for a UK ETA

Travellers from the countries mentioned above will need to follow a few simple steps to apply for the ETA:

1. Apply Online or via the Mobile App: Travellers can apply for the ETA either online on the official UK government website or via the mobile app. The application process is simple and involves filling out basic personal details.
2. Payment: The application requires a £16 fee (about AED 80). This must be paid at the time of application.
3. Approval: Once the application is submitted, the approval process can take up to 72 hours. In cases of secondary security checks, it may take longer. Therefore, passengers are advised to apply well in advance.
4. Receive ETA: Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.
5. Boarding: Travellers must show their ETA approval before boarding their flight to the UK. If the ETA is not approved, they will not be allowed to board.

How It Affects Corporate and Family Travel

For corporate travellers and families, the UK ETA rollout adds an extra layer of planning. Companies sending employees for business meetings or events in the UK, especially those in high-frequency industries such as consulting and finance, will need to ensure that all their employees, including children, have obtained their ETA ahead of time.

• Corporate Travel: Travel managers must upload the ETA receipt numbers into Global Distribution System (GDS) profiles for easy access. Travel teams are encouraged to batch-manage multiple applications using third-party services like VisaHQ, which allows for quicker submission and monitoring.
• Family Travel: Each family member, including children, will need to apply for their own ETA approval. This makes last-minute applications at the airport impossible, so families are advised to apply well in advance.

Impact on Emirates Airline and Other Airlines

Emirates has been proactive in alerting passengers to the new ETA requirement. The airline has placed pop-up notifications on its booking engine, sent SMS alerts to passengers, and trained check-in agents at Dubai International Airport to ensure compliance. Emirates will also monitor for non-compliant passengers, and if someone attempts to board without an ETA, they will be denied boarding.

The airline industry, in general, faces strict penalties if they fail to comply with this new regulation. As such, airlines around the world, including those from countries affected by the new rule, will be required to ensure that their passengers from visa-exempt countries have the necessary ETA approval before they can board flights to the UK.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement is a major change that will impact a wide range of travellers from countries that were previously visa-exempt, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and many more. Emirates Airline, along with other carriers, is already taking steps to inform passengers and ensure they comply with the new regulations starting from 26 February 2026.

UAE joins Saudi Arabia, United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Japan, and more as the UK’s new ETA requirement takes effect from February 2026, aimed at enhancing border security and streamlining the entry process. Emirates Airline has issued an urgent advisory, urging travellers to apply for the mandatory authorisation in advance.

For travellers planning to visit the UK from these countries, it is crucial to apply for the ETA well in advance to avoid any travel disruptions. Whether you are travelling for business, leisure, or family reasons, the UK ETA requirement is an essential step in the border process that must be planned for.