United Kingdom introduces changes to ETA system: travel authorisation becomes fully digital from 25 February 2026

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announces that the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will apply new rules regarding the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), in the context of the transition to a fully digitalised service. The information was communicated by the Embassy of the United Kingdom in the Republic of Moldova.

According to the authorities, the new provisions will enter into force starting from 25 February 2026 and concern the way in which the document required for entry into the United Kingdom is obtained and used by eligible foreign nationals, including citizens of the Republic of Moldova who travel visa-free for short stays, where the legal framework provides for this possibility.

Under the new rules established by the British authorities, the ETA system will operate exclusively in electronic format. The authorisation will no longer exist as a printed document or physical certificate, being digitally linked to the holder’s passport. Verification will be carried out automatically by airlines and border authorities before boarding and upon arrival.

Consequently, passengers must ensure that they have obtained ETA before travelling and the data in the application exactly matches the data in the passport used. The lack of a valid authorisation may lead to boarding being refused by the airline operator, the CAA indicates.

The Civil Aviation Authority recommends that persons intending to travel to the United Kingdom apply for the ETA in advance, before purchasing or undertaking the trip; use only the official platforms of the British authorities to submit the application; check the validity of the passport and the accuracy of the personal data; keep the electronic confirmation of the authorisation.

The full digital implementation of the ETA system is part of the process of modernising the United Kingdom’s border control, through which the British authorities aim to secure traveller flows and speed up verification procedures.

The Civil Aviation Authority warns that compliance with the new requirements is essential to avoid problems at boarding or upon entry into the United Kingdom and urges passengers to get information in advance before planning the trip.