New UK Border Checks
The UK has implemented more stringent visa verification measures for travelers arriving from Greece, Italy, and Albania. This is due to high tourism volume, irregular entry attempts, as well as they’re being a hub for international connections.
Correspondingly, airline staff must confirm that passengers have valid visas or the UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before boarding.
Overall, the move underscores the UK’s broader strategy to tighten border controls and reduce irregular migration.
Previously, airline staff did not need to conduct such checks, prior to the visa verification implementation in July 2025. Moving forward, they must now act as a first line of immigration defense.
Bold UK Immigration Reforms
According to the UK Foreign Office, the change aims to prevent unauthorized travelers from arriving at UK airports.
“Tackling irregular migration demands cooperation across borders and industries to disrupt the pathways used by those attempting to enter the UK illegally,” remarked Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
“We’re sending a clear message – air travel simply isn’t an option without proper authorization and registration,” he added.
Additionally, the Home Office stated that checks would reduce pressure on UK Border Force officers and speed up legitimate entry.
Meanwhile, over 9,000 airline staff across Europe have already received training. This includes teams at Wizz Air, Lufthansa, and Jet2.
Transition to Digital Borders
Notably, this policy links to the UK’s broader transition to a fully digital border by 2025. Correspondingly, all non-British travelers, including EU citizens, will soon need an ETA or eVisa to enter the country.
The government says digital screening will allow better detection of risks before travelers arrive. As part of the plan, travelers from countries previously exempt now face tighter checks.
Impact on UK-Bound Travelers
So far, passengers at Greek and Italian airports report longer check-in times. Moreover, airline staff have also denied boarding for several travelers due to missing ETAs or visa documentation.
Meanwhile, airline representatives say confusion remains about the new rules.
Official figures show that boarding denials have spiked by 23% since the 2024 general election. Correspondingly, 30,000 people had to go back to their countries of origin.
Critics Raise Concerns
However, some critics argue the UK is outsourcing immigration control to airlines without proper safeguards. In addition, immigration campaigners worry that mistakes by airline staff could unfairly block genuine travelers or asylum seekers.
While the Immigration Advice Service (IAS) sees the benefit of safeguarding borders and streamlining arrivals, it has expressed concern. Specifically, private airline staff may make erroneous refusals to board due to system errors.
Despite this, the UK government insists the benefits outweigh the risks.
Looking Ahead
Overall, this policy marks a significant shift in the UK’s approach to border control. In time, more southern European nations could face similar restrictions if irregular migration numbers increase.
For now, the government is urging all travelers to check their visa or ETA status well in advance.
Correspondingly, the UK government is rolling out clearer signage and online information campaigns across Europe this summer. Eventually, the success of this system could influence broader European cooperation on travel verification.
