Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to the United Kingdom.
United Kingdom Status
WATCH
Travel to the United Kingdom is operating normally, including international flights and major airports. However, the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation system is now enforced for eligible visa-free visitors, meaning many travellers must obtain digital permission before travelling.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Electronic Travel Authorisation
The UK now requires eligible visitors who do not need a visa to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling. Airlines and other carriers can check whether a passenger has the required digital permission before allowing them to travel.
Not everyone needs an ETA
Travellers who already have permission to live, work or study in the UK generally do not need an ETA. British and Irish citizens are also exempt. Travellers who require a UK visa must obtain the appropriate visa rather than an ETA.
Check the passport used for your ETA
An ETA is digitally linked to the passport used in the application. Travellers should therefore travel using the same passport and apply for a new ETA if the relevant passport changes.
Flights and airports
The UK’s major airports, including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh, continue to handle scheduled passenger flights. No significant nationwide airport shutdown or aviation disruption is currently identified.
Transit passengers
ETA requirements can depend on how a traveller transits through the UK. Passengers who pass through UK border control should check whether they require an ETA, visa or other permission before beginning their journey.
Latest Travel Changes
ETA is now enforced
From 25 February 2026, eligible travellers who require an Electronic Travel Authorisation must have one before travelling to the United Kingdom. Carriers can prevent passengers from boarding if they do not have the required ETA, eVisa or other valid travel permission.
UK border increasingly digital
The ETA forms part of the UK’s move towards a more digital immigration and border system. Travellers should check their immigration status before departure rather than assuming that previous visa-free travel arrangements remain unchanged.
No major nationwide transport disruption identified
International flights and major airports continue to operate. The UK’s WATCH classification is therefore primarily due to the important entry-system change rather than a nationwide transport or security disruption.
Before You Travel
Check whether your nationality requires an ETA, visa or another form of UK immigration permission before departure.
If you require an ETA, obtain approval before travelling and use the same passport that was used for the application.
If transiting through a UK airport, check whether your journey requires you to pass through UK border control and whether an ETA or visa is required.
Check your airline and individual flight status before travelling to the airport.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.