No permission, no travel: UK to fully enforce ETA scheme from February 25

The Home Office has issued a final reminder that the "soft launch" of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is coming to an end. Starting February 25, 2026, the UK will move to full enforcement, meaning any traveler who requires an ETA but fails to present one will be strictly denied boarding by airlines, ferries, and Eurostar services.

For the Turkish community in London, this change is particularly important for family members and friends planning to visit from abroad. While the system has been active for some time, the upcoming deadline removes the previous "grace period" where carriers were encouraged to be pragmatic with unprepared passengers.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is a digital permission to travel, not a visa. It is required for "non-visa nationals"—people from countries that do not normally need a visa for short stays in the UK.

• Cost: £16.

• Validity: 2 years (or until your passport expires), allowing for multiple entries.

• Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit for tourism, family visits, or short-term business.

Who needs it?

The rule applies to visitors from approximately 85 countries, including the US, Canada, and all EU/EEA states.

Crucially for the local community:

• Visitors from Turkey: Turkish citizens currently still require a standard Visitor Visa for the UK. However, if your family members hold dual citizenship with an ETA-eligible country (such as a European, US, or Australian passport), they must obtain an ETA before traveling to London.

• Dual British Citizens: If you or your children are dual nationals (e.g., Turkish and British), the Home Office strongly advises traveling on your British passport. From February 25, if you try to travel on a foreign passport without a linked ETA or eVisa, you risk being denied boarding or facing significant delays for manual identity checks at the border.

Warning for those with Settled Status

If you hold Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need an ETA. However, you must ensure your current passport is correctly linked to your UKVI account (eVisa). From February 25, carriers will rely on a digital "permission to travel" check; if your passport isn't linked to your status, the system may return a "No Record" result, leading to a refusal at the boarding gate.

How to apply

Applications should be made at least three working days before travel via the official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, but some cases can take longer.

For residents in Enfield, Hackney, and Haringey who are expecting guests this spring, now is the time to ensure they have their digital paperwork in order to avoid a stressful situation at the airport.