Electronic Travel Authorisation From 25 February 2026

From 25 February 2026, eligible nationals travelling to the UK as visitors must have a valid ETA unless they already hold a valid UK immigration permission. Carriers will deny boarding to anyone who requires an ETA but does not hold one.

British dual nationals

British citizens, including those holding another nationality, are not eligible for an ETA. They may only evidence their right of abode with a valid British passport or other passport endorsed with a certificate of entitlement (CoE). From 25 February 2026, anyone unable to present one of these documents risks being denied boarding or delays when returning to the UK. 

eVisas for Visa National visitors

For visit visa applications paid for on or after 25 February 2026, applicants will receive an eVisa only. This replaces visa vignette stickers and simplifies the user journey because applicants will attend the Visa Application Centre (VAC) only once to confirm identity. Their passport will be returned during the appointment.

Before travelling, all eVisa holders, including children, must create a UKVI account to check their eVisa, update passport details and share their status, if needed, for example, to facilitate other countries at their entry or exit controls.

Anyone who has not linked their current passport or travel document(s) to their eVisa may face inconvenience, delays and additional checks to confirm their UK immigration status.

Digital Record of Exemption

From 25 February 2026, people applying from outside the UK who meet the conditions for exemption from immigration control will receive a Digital Record of Exemption instead of a physical ‘exempt vignette’. This digital record makes it easier for people to prove their exemption and enables carriers to confirm it automatically, ensuring a smoother journey.  

Digital Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (CoE)

From 26 February 2026, anyone holding a valid CoE will automatically receive a digital CoE, and will be invited by email to create a UKVI account. New applications made outside the UK from this date will also receive a digital certificate.

Digital CoEs do not require renewal when a passport expires. Holders will be able to update new passport details in their UKVI account for free.

Home Office Travel Documents (HOTDs)

HOTDs are issued to eligible Commonwealth citizens and foreign nationals unable to obtain a passport from their country of origin.  

From 26 February 2026, all existing and newly issued HOTDs will automatically link to UKVI accounts, enabling carriers to confirm permission to travel though automated checks.  Holders do not need to take any immediate action, but from that date they can sign in to their UKVI account to confirm their HOTD is linked correctly.