If London is on your mind this year, pause for a second before booking your flight. New UK travel rules are now in force. From February 25, 2026, most travellers who used to enter the UK visa-free now need to apply for an ETA before boarding their flight. Airlines can turn you away at check-in, even if you’ve flown to Britain many times before.

Here’s what you need to know so your trip doesn’t start with a surprise at the airport.

What is the UK ETA and Who Needs It?

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is not a visa. It’s an online travel clearance that gives you permission to board a flight to the UK if your nationality normally allows visa-free entry.

It now applies to passport holders from 85 countries who previously did not need a visa to visit the UK.

Since the ETA is linked to your passport, every traveller needs their own approval, including babies and children. Keep that in mind if you’re planning a family trip to the UK.

If you hold dual nationality and one of your passports is British, you’ll need to travel on a valid British passport or carry a Certificate of Entitlement. Without one of these, airlines may refuse boarding. From late February 2026, Certificates of Entitlement will be issued in digital format.

How Much Does the UK ETA Cost in 2026?

  • The ETA costs £16, which is roughly AED 80
  • It allows multiple entries over two years, or until your passport expires
  • Each stay can be up to six months
  • You can travel for tourism, business visits, short-term study, and transit if you pass through UK border control between flights

The application is done through the special app or online. You need to upload your passport details, add a photo, and answer a few security questions. More details about the process are available on the official UK ETA website.

If you’re flying from the UAE, you’ll have more options to choose from. Emirates has introduced a fourth daily flight from Dubai to London Gatwick (LGW), and Air Arabia will launch direct flights from Sharjah to London Gatwick from March 2026.

UAE Nationals vs UAE Residents: Know the Difference

UAE nationals can travel to the UK visa-free, but they are required to obtain an ETA before departure. The Emirati passport remains one of the strongest in the world. But being a UAE resident with an Emirates ID does not automatically give you the same access. Your travel privileges depend on your passport, not your residency status.

If you’re a UAE resident, it’s always worth checking whether your nationality requires an ETA under the new travel rules. However, your Emirates ID still opens the door to plenty of travel opportunities. Check out the list of visa-on-arrival and visa-free destinations for UAE residents. You might be surprised how many options you have.