Employment Alert – “No permission, no travel” ETA rollout from 25 February 2026
What’s happening?
Visa‑free travel to the UK is coming to an end.
From 25 February 2026, visitors from 85 currently visa‑exempt countries (including most of the EU, USA, Canada and Australia) must obtain an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Without it, airlines, ferries and the Eurostar/Eurotunnel will refuse boarding.
What is an ETA?
An ETA is a digital travel authorisation. It’s not a visa and doesn’t guarantee entry – it just gives permission to travel to the UK.
An ETA will be required for short visits up to 6 months, whether for tourism, family visits, or permitted business activities. Each ETA lasts 2 years and costs £16. Although most applications are decided within minutes, checks can take up to 3 working days.
This change impacts travellers who previously entered the UK visa‑free. Visa nationals are not affected by the change, and will still need a visitor visa.
British and Irish citizens are exempt, but anyone with dual citizenship must now travel to the UK using their British/Irish passport.
Why it is important for business visitors?
Business travellers from most of Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia must now secure an ETA before any UK trip.
Employers should ensure employees, candidates and other visitors apply at least 3 working days before travel. Reasons for travel will need to be given in the application.
The ETA doesn’t change what visitors can do in the UK — all business travellers must still follow the strict visitor rules. Breaches can result in refusals, delays and compliance issues for employers. All travellers must also still carry evidence supporting their trip (e.g. invitation letters, employer letters, accommodation details) to present at the border.
Why is this important?
Anyone who needs an ETA but doesn’t have one will be denied boarding, regardless of the circumstances. This could cause major disruption and unnecessary cost.
The digital system means the Home Office will collect more data on business visitors, increasing scrutiny of travel and compliance. Employers must ensure all visitors comply with the visitor rules to avoid compliance breaches.
What should you do?
- Review travel policies: build in ETA requirements and checks
- Communicate: ensure all employees are aware of the ETA rules and timelines
- Compliance: ensure that all visitors comply with the permitted business activity rules
For support with the new ETA system or any other immigration matter, please contact our specialist immigration lawyers Charlotte and Tabytha on [email protected] who will be happy to assist.
All comments and information were accurate at the time of publication and may not reflect current developments. They should not be relied upon without seeking appropriate professional advice.
