UK Immigration Goes Digital: Key Changes Commencing in February 2026

The Home Office will implement changes to the United Kingdom’s immigration system effective 25 February 2026, completing the shift to digital status and automated carrier checks.

UPCOMING CHANGES FROM 25 FEBRUARY

Electronic Travel Authorisation Enforcement

From 25 February, eligible non-visa nationals travelling as visitors must hold a valid electronic travel authorization (ETA). Carriers will deny boarding where an ETA is required but not held. This is a shift away from the current policy that allows carriers to exercise discretion to allow boarding even where an ETA is not held.

British Dual Nationals

British citizens, including dual nationals, are not eligible for an ETA and must travel using a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement (CoE). Failure to do so may result in denied boarding or delays.

Visitor Visas Move to eVisas

Visa nationals must obtain a visitor visa prior to visiting the UK. Beginning 25 February visitor visas will be issued as eVisas only, replacing physical visa vignettes. All eVisa holders must create a UKVI account and ensure passport details are kept up to date.

Digital Proof of Status Expands

From 25 February, exempt applicants will receive a Digital Record of Exemption instead of a physical vignette.

Also from 25 February CoE and Home Office travel documents will be digital and linked to UKVI accounts.

WHAT EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD DO NOW

• Identify frequent travellers: Employers should identify frequent business visitors who travel to the UK and assess whether they may require an ETA, eVisa or other digital status after 25 February.
• Communicate early and clearly: Employers should proactively brief affected individuals on the new digital requirements, particularly the risk of boarding refusal where the correct authorisation or document is not held.
• Check travel documents for British dual nationals: Employers should remind British dual nationals to travel using a valid British passport or CoE because alternative passports will no longer be sufficient.
• UKVI account readiness: Employees holding eVisas, Digital Records of Exemption, CoEs or Home Office travel documents should regularly access their UKVI account, ensuring passport details are linked and up to date.
• Update internal policies and guidance: Travel, mobility and immigration policies should be reviewed to reflect the move away from physical documents and the increased reliance on digital status checks.