Carriers are legally required to check ETA status and will deny boarding without it, which can lead to missed client meetings, disrupted projects, and reputational impact for the employer.

Guidance suggests allowing up to three working days for a decision, so employers should build a minimum three‑day buffer into travel planning and encourage earlier applications for high‑priority trips.

Employers should add ETA checks to pre-travel workflows, require proof of approval before ticket issuance where possible, and clarify who covers the £16 fee and any support with the application process.

No. An ETA is a digital permission to travel for short visits (up to 6 months) and does not allow work that would normally require a work visa, so assignees still need the appropriate UK immigration route.

Yes. From 25 February 2026, most visa-exempt nationals visiting the UK for business (meetings, conferences, training, or transit) must hold an approved ETA before boarding.

The UK has established special visa routes for Ukrainian nationals due to conflict, including the Ukraine Family Scheme visa for joining family members and the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) allowing Ukrainians without family ties to come if sponsored by a UK host.

The CTA allows Irish citizens and UK residents to move freely between the UK, Ireland, and Crown Dependencies without visas or permits.

ETA is a pre-travel authorization required for non-visa nationals, including Europeans from April 2, 2025, to travel to the UK without a full visa.

Visa nationals must always obtain entry clearance (a visa) before traveling to the UK, while non-visa nationals can visit for up to 6 months without a visa.