The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is now firmly in place and will be fully enforced from 25 February 2026. From this date, anyone required to hold an ETA but travelling without one may be refused boarding or denied entry to the UK.
For international freight movements, particularly road freight, this is an important compliance change that needs to be built into journey planning.
What is a UK ETA?
A UK ETA is a digital pre-travel authorisation linked to a traveller’s passport. It is not a visa, but it must be approved before travelling to the UK.
- Valid for up to two years (or until passport expiry)
- Allows multiple entries
- Permits short stays of up to six months
- Applied for online or via the official UK ETA app
Who needs an ETA?
An ETA is required for most non-UK and non-Irish nationals who can travel to the UK visa-free.
This includes:
- EU and non-EU HGV drivers
- Courier drivers and transport personnel
- Business visitors travelling by ferry, Eurotunnel, rail or air
Anyone without a valid ETA may not be allowed to board transport bound for the UK.
You do not need an ETA if you:
- Hold a UK visa
- Are a British or Irish citizen
- Have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status)
- Live in Ireland and are travelling to the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
What this means for freight and haulage operations
While the ETA application process itself is straightforward, failing to plan ahead can cause disruption.
Key impacts for freight and haulage businesses include:
- Advance planning requirements – drivers must have an approved ETA before travel
- Risk of delays – missing authorisation could result in refused boarding or missed sailings
- Carrier compliance checks – ETA status will be verified before departure
- Customer impact – delays caused by documentation issues can affect delivery schedules and service levels
With tight timelines and limited recovery options, ETA compliance is no longer something that can be left to the last minute.
How to prepare
To minimise disruption, ETA checks should now be part of standard pre-trip procedures:
- Confirm which drivers require an ETA based on nationality and status
- Apply early, allowing time for approval
- Monitor passport and ETA expiry dates
- Include ETA confirmation alongside licences, permits and booking references
- Communicate requirements clearly with drivers and overseas partners
In summary
From 25 February 2026, the UK ETA is a firm requirement for many drivers and visitors entering the UK visa-free. For international freight movements, the key to avoiding disruption is simple: build ETA checks into planning, not paperwork at the port.
Businesses that prepare early and integrate ETA compliance into their logistics processes will be best placed to keep UK-bound supply chains moving smoothly.
Information correct at time of writing and subject to change.