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ARTICLE · 10 MARCH 2026

New UK ETA And Carrier Liability Rules: What Travellers Need To Know

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From 20 March 2026, Section 76 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 ('NBA 2022') comes into force, expanding the UK's Carrier Liability Scheme...

GlobalImmigration
Nicolette Bostock
Nicolette Bostock
Beth Hadden
Beth Hadden
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From 20 March 2026, Section 76 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 ('NBA 2022') comes into force, expanding the UK's Carrier Liability Scheme and placing sharper obligations on airlines, rail operators and ferry companies to check passengers' travel permissions before departure for the UK.

This sits alongside stricter ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) checks, which carriers must apply from 25 February 2026.

Why these rules matter

The UK's ETA system requires all nationals of countries able to travel to the UK without a visit visa to apply for and hold valid security clearance to travel before boarding.

The expansion of the NBA 2022 ensures air, ferry and train carriers have the final say and can actively refuse boarding to anyone without the correct authorisation in place to be admitted to the UK. Carriers who do not fulfil their obligations risk financial penalties and/or responsibility and costs for transporting the individual back to their

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