From 25 February 2026, everyone travelling to the UK now needs permission to travel, unless they are a British or Irish citizen or are otherwise exempt. Wherever possible, this permission is digitally linked to the passport being used for the journey
The UK has moved to a modernised digital permission system, where international carriers are required to verify that passengers have valid permission or status to travel. All carriers are equipped with the necessary tools to verify this digitally before boarding.
Visitors from countries that do not require a visa for short stays of up to six months must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). An ETA is valid for up to two years and allows travel to the UK for tourism, family visits or other approved reasons for up to six months. Since launch in October 2023, more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully applied for an ETA.
Travellers from countries that require a visa receive an eVisa, which is a digital record of permission to enter the UK. Applicants may not receive a visa sticker if they made a successful application for a visit visa or some other visa types on or after 25 February 2026, as the system has moved to digital-only status.
Both ETAs and eVisas can be accessed through a personal UKVI account. Airlines and other carriers check this digital permission before boarding. Without valid permission, travel to the UK will be denied.
Dual British citizens must travel using a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement. Travelling on a non-British passport without this may result in being denied boarding. UK passports can be renewed via GOV.UK.
Read the latest updates on the move to a digital immigration system at GOV.UK
What this means for youth & education travel
- ETA/eVisa requirements now apply to most group travel to the UK. Organisers must build digital permission checks into booking and pre-departure timelines.
- Under-18s are not exempt in most markets. The current exemption applies only to French school groups, with arrangements for Germany not yet live. All other youth groups require individual ETAs/eVisas where applicable.
- Dual British citizens must travel on a valid British passport or hold a Certificate of Entitlement. Travelling on a non-British passport without this may result in being denied boarding, even if another nationality would normally be eligible for an ETA.
- Passenger details must match exactly with the passport used for travel, including names and document numbers linked to the ETA/eVisa.
- Carriers will refuse boarding if digital permission cannot be verified at check-in.
- Early communication is essential with partners, schools and families to avoid last-minute disruption, particularly for spring and summer programmes.
Please note: Exemptions for school groups are subject to bilateral agreements and may change. Members should check the latest GOV.UK guidance before confirming travel arrangements.
Actions for members now
- Update booking terms and pre-departure information to reflect mandatory ETA/eVisa requirements.
- Brief overseas agents, schools and host families on the need for digital permission before travel.
- Add ETA/eVisa status to group checklists alongside passports, insurance and parental consent.
- Review communications for dual nationals, highlighting the need to travel on a British passport where applicable.
- Confirm data accuracy processes so names and passport details match exactly with applications.
- Allow additional lead time for peak periods and large groups to secure permissions.
BETA will continue to share updates as further bilateral arrangements are confirmed.
Author: Helen Leigh
