Summer travel is in full swing, but immigration experts are warning that a simple documentation mistake could disrupt a trip before travelers even reach their destination.
One of the biggest issues involves the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is now required for most eligible visitors who previously could travel to Britain without obtaining advance authorization. Since February 2026, non-visa nationals who require an ETA can be prevented from boarding a flight or other transport to the UK without the necessary digital permission.
Helena Sheizon, an immigration lawyer and director at Kadmos Immigration, says travelers should pay particular attention to their nationality, passport information and travel history before leaving for the airport.
European travelers are among those who may be caught off guard because EU nationals, with the exception of Ireland, only became subject to the ETA system in 2025.
Applying With the Wrong Passport
An ETA is digitally connected to the passport used during the application. That means travelers cannot simply obtain an ETA and later switch to a newly issued passport.
UK government guidance states that an ETA is valid for two years or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first. If a traveler receives a new passport, a new ETA is required.
This makes passport renewals an important pre-trip checkpoint, particularly for travelers who obtained their ETA months ago.
Dual Nationals Need to Pay Attention
Dual nationality can create another layer of confusion. Travelers may have multiple passports but need to understand which document establishes their right to enter the UK.
British or Irish citizens do not need an ETA. British dual nationals generally need to travel using a valid British or Irish passport, or in certain circumstances another passport accompanied by the appropriate certificate of entitlement.
The Pre-Flight Checklist
Before heading to the airport, travelers should check whether their nationality requires an ETA, confirm that their authorization is connected to the passport they will actually use and verify that their passport has not been replaced since the ETA was issued.
They should also make sure the passport details used for their travel arrangements are accurate and determine which passport they should use throughout the journey if they hold dual nationality.
Travelers can check their ETA status and expiration date through the UK government’s online service. The government also advises applicants to allow up to three working days for a decision and to wait for confirmation before traveling.
With airports and international transport hubs preparing for a busy summer, spending a few minutes checking travel documentation before departure could prevent a much bigger problem at the gate.