The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) program has been in phased rollout since 2023. Beginning 25 February 2026, full enforcement takes effect. From that date, all travelers from visa-exempt countries must hold an approved ETA or valid eVisa before traveling to the UK.

This marks the start of a strict “no permission, no travel” policy, aligning the UK with the U.S. ESTA and Canada eTA systems.

About the UK ETA

The ETA is an electronic permission linked to the traveler’s passport. It applies to nationals who do not need a visa to visit, study, or conduct business in the UK for up to six months, or to transit through the UK.

With a valid ETA, travelers can:

• Visit the UK for up to six months for tourism, business, study, or family visits
• Stay up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession
• Transit through the UK

Applications can be made through the UK ETA app or online at GOV.UK. Most applicants receive a decision within three working days.

Key Details

• Cost: £16 per application
• Validity: Two years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first
• Eligible: All non-visa nationals (including the U.S., Canada, EU, Japan, Australia, and others)
• Exempt: British and Irish citizens, and legal residents of Ireland traveling within the Common Travel Area (CTA)
• Enforcement Date: 25 February 2026

ETA Integration with sGAR and UPT

Under the UK Home Office’s Universal Permission to Travel (UPT) system, ETA and eVisa checks are now integrated into the Submit a General Aviation Report (sGAR) web service.

Operators will receive automatic permission responses for each passenger:

• No Record of Valid Permission to Travel (0B): The Home Office cannot confirm a digital immigration status such as an ETA or eVisa. A manual verification or ETA application is required before boarding.
• System Time Out (0T): The system is temporarily unresponsive. Operators may resubmit and, if still unsuccessful, can board without liability once document authenticity is confirmed.

Full details are available in the GA Information Pack – sGAR & UPT (November 2025).

Crew Requirements

• Operating aircrew (pilots and cabin crew operating into and out of the UK within seven days) remain exempt from ETA under the Immigration Act 1971.
• Deadheading or positioning crew who are non-visa nationals also remain exempt, provided they carry proof of crew status and follow Border Force check-in procedures.

Operator Actions

• Verify ETA or eVisa status for all visa-exempt passengers beginning 25 February 2026
• Update sGAR workflows to handle new response codes (“No Record of Valid Permission” and “System Time Out”)
• Maintain passport and document checks under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Contact the UK Border Force Carrier Support Hub for assistance: +44 300 369 0610 or +44 204 619 6020

Related Resources

• Apply for a UK ETA
• Check if you need a UK visa
• View or prove your UK immigration status (eVisa)
• GA Information Pack – sGAR & UPT (November 2025)
• Common Travel Area guidance

Summary

The UK’s ETA system transitions to full enforcement on 25 February 2026. From this date, business aviation operators must confirm that all non-visa national passengers hold a valid ETA or eVisa before departure. The Home Office’s “no permission, no travel” policy brings the UK’s border control in line with U.S. and Canadian systems.