New UK visa rule from February: ETA required for connecting US passengers

From February 2026, new UK rules will affect connecting US passengers. US passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to or transiting through the UK.

From 25 February 2026, United States passport holders who do not hold a UK visa or immigration status will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. This requirement will also apply to US passengers transiting through the UK, where they pass through UK border control.

This change forms part of the UK Home Office’s ongoing initiative to digitise the UK’s immigration system and improve national security, as all individuals seeking to enter the UK will be required to hold an ETA or an eVisa. As part of the ETA application process, applicants must provide their biometric and contact details, as well as answer questions relating to suitability and criminality. This allows the Home Office to assess who intends to enter the UK and to prevent entry of those who have grounds for refusal.

What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission that allows eligible persons to travel to the UK. It is not a visa and, therefore, does not guarantee entry to the UK. Permission to enter the UK is granted on arrival at the border.

An ETA is required for certain nationalities who do not normally need a visa to visit the UK, including US passport holders. Each person travelling, including children and infants, must have their own ETA.

Those who do not possess either an ETA or a valid visa will not be permitted to travel to the UK, as airlines and other transport providers are required to verify that passengers have the correct digital permission to travel before allowing them to board. An ETA will be required for those who are transiting landside, meaning they pass through UK border control. Examples of this include situations where a passenger:

• enters the UK during their journey;
• collects and re-checks their luggage; or
• passes through passport control to change flights or terminals.

Currently, passengers who remain airside and do not pass through UK border control do not require an ETA. However, the Home Office has stated that this is a temporary exemption which is under review.

Who needs an ETA?

An ETA will be required for the following (including children and infants):

• US passport holders travelling to the UK;
• US passport holders transiting through the UK and passing through UK border control; and
• nationals from 84 other visa-free countries who do not hold a UK visa or immigration status.

An ETA is not required for:

• British citizens;
• Irish citizens;
• individuals who already hold a valid UK visa or immigration permission (i.e. those who have permission to live in the UK); and
• travellers who transit through the UK without passing through border control (although this is under review).

How to apply for an ETA

Applications for an ETA must be made online using the GOV.UK website or the UK ETA app. An ETA costs £16, and while most applications are decided automatically, the Home Office advises allowing up to three working days for a decision to be made.

Applicants will need:

• the passport they will use to travel;
• an email address;
• a photograph of their face; and
• a credit/debit card, or Apple/Google Pay to pay the fee.

An approved ETA is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport, therefore ETA holders are only required to show their passport at the border. The ETA is valid for two years, or until the passport to which it is linked expires (whichever is earlier). ETA holders can travel to the UK as many times as they wish while their ETA is valid.

What should US travellers do now?

US passport holders planning to travel to or transit through the UK from February 2026 should check whether their journey requires them to pass through UK border control. If so, they must apply for an ETA in advance. Travelling without an ETA – whether visiting or transiting through the UK – when one is required may result in you being denied boarding by the airline or a refusal of entry at the border.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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