If you are planning a business trip or family visit to London this summer, check the travel permission required for every passenger before departure. Since 25 February 2026, carriers have been required to confirm that travellers who need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, hold valid digital permission before travelling to the UK.
An ETA is linked electronically to the passport used for the application. Travelling without the required permission can result in denied boarding, even where flights and accommodation are already booked.
Who needs an ETA?
Most non-visa nationals travelling on passports issued by European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan need an ETA. It can cover tourism, family visits, permitted business activities and certain short courses, normally for stays of up to 6 months.
British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. You are also generally exempt if you already have a UK visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK, including settled or pre-settled status.
Every traveller needs a separate ETA, including babies and children. A parent or responsible adult can complete applications for family members, but each application requires its own passport details, photograph and fee.
What it costs and how long it takes
The ETA fee increased from £16 to £20 on 8 April 2026. A successful ETA normally permits multiple journeys over 2 years or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever happens first.
Most applicants receive a decision quickly, often within minutes or a day. However, you should allow up to 3 working days because some applications require further review. You must receive confirmation that your ETA has been approved before travelling.
Apply through the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK website. Third-party services may charge more and cannot guarantee a faster decision.
A practical example
Consider a consultancy team travelling from New York to London for a client meeting. If one employee applies shortly before departure and their application needs further review, they may be unable to board with the rest of the team.
Families face the same risk. Applying early and checking that each ETA is linked to the passport the person will carry can prevent avoidable disruption.
What business visitors should check
An ETA provides permission to travel, but it does not expand the activities allowed under the visitor rules. The UK Standard Visitor Visa framework permits activities such as attending meetings, conferences, seminars and interviews, negotiating or signing contracts, and undertaking certain site visits or inspections.
Visitors must not normally work for a UK company or fill a role within a UK business. Where the planned activity goes beyond a permitted business visit, you may need another route, such as the Skilled Worker visa or the UK Expansion Worker visa.
Employers arranging international travel should keep visitor activity separate from sponsored employment and review their sponsor licence compliance procedures where appropriate.
Families, reunions and dual nationals
If relatives are travelling for a wedding, holiday or family reunion, check their permission well before departure. Their stay must remain consistent with the visitor rules, and an ETA cannot be used to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
British and Irish dual citizens cannot obtain an ETA. They should normally travel using a valid British or Irish passport. A British dual citizen may instead use another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement confirming their right of abode in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Does an ETA replace a visa?
No. It is digital permission to travel for eligible non-visa nationals. It does not guarantee entry, and Border Force can still assess whether you meet the visitor requirements.
Can I apply at the airport?
You can submit an application online, but you must receive approval before travelling. Applying at the airport is risky because a decision may take up to 3 working days.
What happens if an ETA is refused?
There is no right of appeal or administrative review against an ETA refusal. You may need to apply for an appropriate visa instead. A Standard Visitor visa application made outside the UK usually takes around 3 weeks after you have applied, proved your identity and submitted the required documents.
Get the right advice before you travel
If your plans involve more than a straightforward visit, speak to our UK immigration solicitors in London before booking. Contact us today for advice based on your intended activities, nationality and immigration history.
