From February 25, 2026, UAE travellers must obtain a UK ETA or e-visa to fly/Image: Emirates
Planning a trip to the United Kingdom from the UAE will soon require more than just a passport and ticket. Emirates has warned travellers that the UK is rolling out major changes to its immigration system, and missing a new digital requirement could mean being denied boarding altogether.
UK moves to digital immigration and travel clearance
Dubai-based Emirates has issued an official advisory for UAE residents traveling to the United Kingdom, urging them to familiarize themselves with new British entry requirements as the country transitions to a fully digital immigration system.According to the airline, the UK authorities are replacing physical immigration documents with electronic visas, known as e-visas, and introducing the Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA. The ETA is a digital permission to travel and will be mandatory for certain visitors who previously did not require a visa.These changes apply across multiple traveller categories and are being phased in ahead of a firm enforcement deadline.
ETA requirement
Emirates clarified that travellers who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK of up to six months will now need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation.Passengers can check whether they need an ETA and apply through the official UK government website at www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation. The airline highlighted a critical date tied to this requirement. From February 25, 2026, eligible visitors who do not hold a valid ETA will not be allowed to board their transport and will not be able to legally travel to the United Kingdom.Emirates strongly advised customers to apply well in advance of their flight date to avoid disruptions at the airport.
Visa holders
The advisory also targets travellers who already hold UK visas but rely on physical documents to prove their immigration status.According to Emirates, passengers who use paper immigration documents, or those who have an expired biometric residence permit (BRP) or biometric residence card (BCP), must take immediate steps to access their digital immigration status.These travellers are required to create an account with UK Visas and Immigration to convert their status to an eVisa. This can be done at www.gov.uk/eVisa.The airline emphasized that relying on outdated or physical documents could cause problems during travel as the UK moves away from paper-based verification.
ILR and e-visas
Emirates also addressed travellers who hold indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Passengers who currently prove their ILR status using a passport stamp or vignette are eligible to apply for a free No Time Limit application in order to access an e-visa.For travellers who already have an e-visa, the airline stressed the importance of keeping passport details up to date. If the passport intended for travel is not already linked to the eVisa account, travelers must notify UK authorities through www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details.Failing to update passport information could result in delays or complications during boarding or entry into the UK.
FAQ’s
Q. Who needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK? Travelers who do not require a visa for short stays in the UK of up to six months must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling.Q. When does the ETA requirement become compulsory? From February 25, 2026, eligible visitors without a valid ETA will not be allowed to board their transport or legally travel to the United Kingdom.Q. What should UK visa holders using physical documents or expired BRP cards do? They must create a UK Visas and Immigration account to access their immigration status digitally through an e-visa.Q. What must travellers with an existing e-visa do before travelling? They must ensure the passport they intend to use is linked to their UK Visas and Immigration e-visa account and update it if necessary. Go to Source