IMA Welcomes Clarification On New Travel Checks For EU Citizens
The Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens Rights’ Agreement (IMA) welcomes clarification from the UK Home Office that EU and EEA EFTA citizens with a pending EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) application will be able to travel when the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is enforced in February 2026.
The clarification comes after the IMA raised concerns on the uncertainty for EU and EEA EFTA citizens who are planning to travel while still awaiting an outcome on their EUSS application.
ETAs were first introduced in 2023 and enable those who do not require a visa or who do not already have a UK immigration status, to travel to the UK as a visitor. ETAs were introduced for EEA nationals in April this year, though not enforced at the time. In November 2025, the Home Office announced that ETA would be enforced from 26 February 2026.
A citizen who has been granted pre-settled or settled status under the EUSS already has an eVisa and does not need to apply for an ETA. Their immigration status is reflected on their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, and no additional entry requirement is needed to the UK.
Citizens who have applied to the EUSS but are still awaiting an outcome on their application have a Certificate of Application (CoA) and do not yet have an immigration status reflected on their UKVI account. This means that CoA holders are not exempt from needing permission to travel under the ETA scheme. However, they are also not eligible to apply for an ETA as they are not seeking entry as a visitor.
The IMA has previously raised concerns that CoA holders who are not exempt from, but cannot apply for an ETA, could be prevented from boarding planes, trains and ferries to the UK. Following the announcement of plans to enforce ETA in February 2026, the IMA contacted the Home Office seeking urgent clarification as to how CoA holders would be able to travel.
The Home Office has now confirmed that it will use its digital systems to instruct carriers to allow CoA holders to board.
Some citizens may need to show further documentation in addition to their CoA when they reach the UK Border.
The IMA will continue to engage with the Home Office to clarify how the updated arrangements will work in practice and also on wider concerns related to the clarity of Home Office communications to CoA holders.
The IMA has published further details and guidance for EU and EEA EFTA citizens planning to travel on its website, including a travel bulletin summarising key information.
Anyone experiencing difficulties in relation to their rights is encouraged to contact the IMA either via its complaints’ portal, or via other routes including our Your Story form.