New UK ETA travel rule could affect your family travel plans from today

If your 2026 plans include grandparents flying in to meet a new baby, cousins visiting for the summer holidays or returning home from a family break abroad on a non-UK passport, there is a new rule to be aware of.

From 25 February 2026, the UK is enforcing its Electronic Travel Authorisation system, known as an ETA. Airlines must now confirm that passengers have permission to travel before departure.

While much of the focus has been on tourists, the changes could also affect UK families hosting loved ones from overseas and British dual nationals who usually travel on a foreign passport.

Here is what it means in real life.

If you are hosting family from abroad

If you are one of the many UK parents who rely on overseas family for childcare help, have family fly in for special occasions or just extended summer visits, there are a few things you need to know.

Under the new rules, most visitors from 85 visa-free countries, including the US and Australia, now need an ETA before travelling to the UK.

The Home Office states: "Visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot travel to the UK, unless exempt."

An ETA:

• Costs £16 per person
• Is valid for multiple visits over two years, or until the passport expires
• Allows stays of up to six months at a time

It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry, but it gives permission to travel to the UK.

If you are expecting relatives, it is worth gently checking that they have applied in good time. The government recommends applying at least three working days before travel, although most people receive a decision within minutes via the official UK ETA app.

This is especially important for family visits tied to due dates, weddings or pre-booked holidays where last-minute stress is the last thing anyone needs.

If you are a dual national returning from holiday

The headlines have caused concern among some British dual nationals, particularly those who usually travel on a non-UK passport.

You may have seen reports suggesting dual nationals could be banned from boarding flights without a British passport. In reality, the position is more nuanced.

Dual British citizens do not need an ETA. However, they are expected to travel using either:

• A valid British passport, or
• A Certificate of Entitlement linked to their foreign passport

The Home Office states: "Dual British citizens are exempt from needing an ETA and are expected to present either a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK."

This means that if you are a British citizen and also hold, for example, an American or Australian passport, you cannot rely on an ETA going forward.

What if you already have an ETA?

Some dual nationals previously applied for and were granted ETAs linked to their foreign passport.

According to legal analysis published by immigration lawyer Alexander Finch, ETAs already issued to dual nationals are not automatically cancelled under the current rules. However, new applications from British citizens are no longer possible through the app, as the British citizenship option has been removed.

Importantly, there is no new law requiring British citizens to travel on a British passport. As confirmed in Parliament in June 2025: "there is no single specific legal requirement that a British citizen must travel on a British passport."

However, the law is clear that proof of the right of abode at the UK border can only be shown with a British passport or a certificate of entitlement.

In practice, this means airlines may refuse boarding if you cannot show the correct document before departure.

What does this mean for family travel?

For UK-based families, the key takeaways are:

• If you are hosting relatives from visa-free countries, remind them to apply for an ETA
• If you or your children hold dual nationality, check which passport you plan to travel on
• Ensure British passports are valid well ahead of travel dates
• Do not assume previous travel arrangements will still work

For families with children who hold two passports, this is particularly important. A child who is a British citizen will be treated the same as any other British citizen when returning to the UK.

Why the change?

The government says the move is part of a shift towards digital border checks.

According to its factsheet, the aim is to create "a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year."

Airlines, rail and ferry operators must now carry out automated checks with the Home Office before allowing passengers to board.

The bottom line for busy parents

For most families, this is simply an extra admin step. But it is one that could derail a long-awaited reunion or return flight if overlooked.

If grandparents are flying in for Easter, or you are heading back from a sunny half-term break on a non-UK passport, double-check the paperwork now rather than at the departure gate.

A quick passport check today could save a lot of tears at the airport tomorrow.