— What You Need to Know —

The UK Government is continuing its transition to a fully digital immigration system, replacing many physical documents with secure digital records. These changes are designed to enhance border security, reduce paperwork, and streamline travel by allowing airlines and carriers to verify immigration status automatically.

Several important changes will take effect from 25 & 26 February 2026, affecting visitors, visa holders, British dual nationals, and people holding Home Office travel documents.

— Below is a clear summary of what is changing and what you need to do. —
– Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Enforcement from 25 February 2026
– From 25 February 2026, nationals who require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK must hold a valid ETA before travelling, unless they already have a valid UK immigration status.

• Airlines and carriers will refuse boarding to travellers who require an ETA but do not have one.
• ETAs are checked automatically against Home Office systems before travel.

You should check:
= Whether your nationality requires an ETA
= Whether you already hold a valid ETA
= When your ETA expires

— British Dual Nationals: Passport Requirements —
British citizens, including those who also hold another nationality, cannot use an ETA.

From 25 February 2026, British dual nationals must prove their right of abode using one of the following only:

– A valid British passport, or
– A non-British passport endorsed with a Certificate of Entitlement (CoE)
– Anyone unable to present one of these documents may be denied boarding or face delays when returning to the UK.

— eVisas for Visa National Visitors —
For visit visa applications paid for on or after 25 February 2026, applicants will receive an eVisa only.

This means:
= No physical visa vignette will be placed in the passport
= Applicants will attend the Visa Application Centre once only to confirm identity
= Passports will be returned during the appointment
This change simplifies the application process and reduces delays.

— UKVI Accounts: Essential for All eVisa Holders —
All eVisa holders, including children, must create a UKVI account before travelling.

Through the UKVI account, holders can:
– View their eVisa
– Update passport or travel document details
– Share their immigration status when required (for example, at international borders)

If your current passport is not linked to your eVisa, you may face delays, additional checks, or travel disruption.

— Digital Record of Exemption —
From 25 February 2026, individuals applying from outside the UK who are exempt from immigration control will receive a Digital Record of Exemption, replacing the physical exempt vignette.

Benefits include:
= Easier proof of exemption
= Automatic verification by airlines and carriers
= Smoother travel experience

Digital Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode
Existing Certificate of Entitlement (CoE) holders will automatically receive a digital CoE. New applications made outside the UK will also be issued digitally

CoE holders will be invited by email to create a UKVI account

Key advantages:
– Digital CoEs do not expire when your passport expires
– Passport details can be updated online free of charge
– No need to reapply simply due to passport renewal

— Home Office Travel Documents (HOTDs) —
Home Office Travel Documents (HOTDs) are issued to eligible Commonwealth citizens and foreign nationals who cannot obtain a passport from their country of origin.

From 26 February 2026:
= All existing and newly issued HOTDs will be automatically linked to a UKVI account
= Airlines will be able to confirm permission to travel through automated checks

No immediate action is required, but holders are encouraged to sign in to their UKVI account to ensure details are correctly linked.

— Need Help? —
If you are unsure how these changes affect you or your family, particularly children, elderly dependants, or frequent travellers, professional advice is strongly recommended.

We at Sincere Immigration can provide a free visa/immigration consultation session for you – simply contact us!