UK Fully Implements Digital Travel Authorisation for Australians, eVisa System Expands

UK's Digital Border Transformation Takes Full Effect

The United Kingdom has officially completed the final phase of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) rollout, making it a mandatory requirement for Australian passport holders and citizens of 84 other visa-exempt countries for short-term visits. As of February 25, 2026, travellers without an approved ETA will be denied boarding by airlines, ferry operators, and Eurostar services bound for the UK. This move is a central component of the UK's broader strategy to modernise its border and enhance security through digital processes.

The ETA system, which has been operational in phases since October 2023, aims to create a more streamlined and secure immigration experience. British ministers assert that the scheme modernises the border, citing over 13 million ETAs issued during a two-year soft-launch period.

Mandatory ETA for Australian Travellers

Australian citizens, previously able to visit the UK visa-free for up to six months, must now obtain an ETA prior to their journey. The digital permit costs £16 and is valid for two years or until the traveller's passport expires, allowing for multiple visits of up to six months per entry. Applications can be made online via the official GOV.UK website or through the UK ETA app, requiring a passport scan, a digital photo, and answers to security questions. While most applications receive a decision 'within minutes', the British Home Office recommends applying 'at least 72 hours before departure' to avoid potential delays.

The introduction of the ETA aligns the UK with similar digital pre-clearance systems globally, such as the ESTA in the United States and Canada's eTA. For dual British-Australian citizens, the rules specify that they cannot use an ETA and must instead travel on a valid British or Irish passport or a Certificate of Entitlement.

Expansion of the eVisa System

In parallel with the ETA rollout, the UK is accelerating its transition to a fully digital immigration system by progressively replacing physical visa documents with eVisas. From February 25, 2026, most visa nationals applying for a visitor visa will receive an eVisa only, replacing traditional visa vignette stickers in passports. This digital record of immigration status is linked directly to the traveller's passport and accessible via a UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) online account.

Key benefits of the eVisa system include:

• No passport retention during the application processing period.
• Increased flexibility for applicants.
• Elimination of courier wait times for passport return.

For Australians applying for longer-term stays, such as work, student, or settlement routes, the transition to receiving an encrypted eVisa accessible via a mobile wallet is anticipated by 2027. The government expects this digital shift to cut processing times by 15 per cent and save over £30 million in paper handling.

Implications for Travellers and Industry

The comprehensive digital transformation aims to enhance border security, reduce administrative costs, and combat document fraud. Carriers are now required to check passengers' digital permission to travel through automated systems before departure, with those lacking valid authorisation facing refusal of boarding. Travel managers and individuals are advised to ensure their digital status is up-to-date, particularly if renewing passports, to avoid travel disruptions.