Travellers heading from Dubai to the United Kingdom later this year will need to prepare for an important change to the UK’s entry requirements. A new digital travel document will soon become mandatory for many visitors.

From Wednesday, February 26, passengers will not be permitted to board flights to the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), even if they are normally allowed to enter the country without a visa.

Dubai-based passengers were recently alerted to the update by Emirates, which shared details of the new regulation affecting travel to the UK.

Who Needs an ETA?

If you can currently visit the United Kingdom for short stays of up to six months without a visa, you will now need to apply for an ETA before travelling.

An ETA is a digital travel permit designed for visa-exempt travellers. The application process is completed online and is typically faster and simpler than applying for a traditional visa.

This move forms part of the UK’s broader plan to modernise its border system by replacing physical immigration documents with digital eVisas.

Who Is Exempt?

You will not need an ETA if you:

Hold a British or Irish passport.

Already have permission to live, work, or study in the UK.

Photo: unsplash.com/@skirebel

Cost and Validity

The UK ETA will cost approximately Dhs80 (£16) and allows entry for tourism or visiting family for stays of up to six months.

Every traveller must have their own ETA — including children and infants — although families can submit applications together in a single session. Applicants will be required to provide details such as their nationality and the purpose of their visit.

Important Updates for Visa Holders

Travellers who currently rely on physical immigration documents to prove their UK visa status must take action. These documents need to be replaced with an eVisa, which can be accessed through a UK Visas and Immigration online account. This requirement also applies to individuals with expired biometric residence permits or cards.

Those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) who use a passport stamp as proof of status must apply for a free “No Time Limit” update in order to access an eVisa.

It’s also essential that eVisa holders ensure the passport they plan to travel with is correctly linked to their UK immigration account.

Why This Matters for Dubai Travellers

The UK remains one of the most popular destinations for travellers from Dubai, with Emirates operating more than 140 flights per week to cities across the country.

Dubai is also home to a large British expatriate community, with an estimated 240,000 UK nationals living in the UAE. These new travel rules, however, do not apply to British citizens.