New UK Digital Rules May Bar UAE Travelers from Boarding Emirates Flights

Key Takeaways

• The UK is introducing a digital immigration system, requiring travelers from the UAE to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or e-visa to fly to the UK.
• From February 25, 2026, eligible visitors without a valid ETA will not be allowed to board their transport or legally travel to the UK.
• Travelers who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK of up to six months will now need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation.
• UK visa holders using physical documents or expired biometric residence permit (BRP) cards must create a UK Visas and Immigration account to access their immigration status digitally through an e-visa.
• Travelers with an existing e-visa must ensure the passport they intend to use is linked to their UK Visas and Immigration e-visa account and update it if necessary.

Introduction to UK Digital Immigration
The United Kingdom is rolling out significant changes to its immigration system, affecting travelers from the UAE. As of February 25, 2026, UAE residents traveling to the UK will be required to obtain a UK ETA or e-visa to fly. This new digital requirement is part of the UK’s transition to a fully digital immigration system, replacing physical immigration documents with electronic visas. Emirates, a Dubai-based airline, has issued an advisory to UAE residents, urging them to familiarize themselves with the new British entry requirements to avoid any disruptions during travel.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel, mandatory for certain visitors who previously did not require a visa. Travelers who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK of up to six months will now need to obtain an ETA. Passengers can check whether they need an ETA and apply through the official UK government website at www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation. It is essential for travelers to apply well in advance of their flight date to avoid disruptions at the airport. From February 25, 2026, eligible visitors who do not hold a valid ETA will not be allowed to board their transport and will not be able to legally travel to the UK.

Visa Holders and Digital Immigration Status
The advisory also targets travelers who already hold UK visas but rely on physical documents to prove their immigration status. Passengers who use paper immigration documents, or those who have an expired biometric residence permit (BRP) or biometric residence card (BCP), must take immediate steps to access their digital immigration status. These travelers are required to create an account with UK Visas and Immigration to convert their status to an eVisa. This can be done at www.gov.uk/eVisa. Relying on outdated or physical documents could cause problems during travel as the UK moves away from paper-based verification.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and e-visas
Emirates also addressed travelers who hold indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Passengers who currently prove their ILR status using a passport stamp or vignette are eligible to apply for a free No Time Limit application in order to access an e-visa. For travelers who already have an e-visa, it is crucial to keep passport details up to date. If the passport intended for travel is not already linked to the eVisa account, travelers must notify UK authorities through www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details. Failing to update passport information could result in delays or complications during boarding or entry into the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The advisory has also provided answers to some frequently asked questions. For instance, travelers who do not require a visa for short stays in the UK of up to six months must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before traveling. The ETA requirement becomes compulsory from February 25, 2026, and eligible visitors without a valid ETA will not be allowed to board their transport or legally travel to the UK. UK visa holders using physical documents or expired BRP cards must create a UK Visas and Immigration account to access their immigration status digitally through an e-visa. Additionally, travelers with an existing e-visa must ensure the passport they intend to use is linked to their UK Visas and Immigration e-visa account and update it if necessary.

Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the UK’s transition to a digital immigration system requires travelers from the UAE to obtain a UK ETA or e-visa to fly. It is essential for travelers to familiarize themselves with the new British entry requirements and apply for an ETA or e-visa well in advance of their flight date. Travelers who already hold UK visas must also take steps to access their digital immigration status and update their passport information if necessary. By following these guidelines, travelers can avoid disruptions during travel and ensure a smooth journey to the UK.