Individuals are reassured that they do not need to take any further action if they have the right to live, work or study in the Isle of Man, but have also applied for an ETA.
Some travellers have mistakenly been advised that they must have an ETA before boarding a flight or sailing to the UK or Isle of Man.
This is not the case for those who hold a valid Isle of Man immigration status, evidenced by a visa vignette sticker, a wet ink entry stamp, or an EU Settlement Scheme status letter. These documents remain valid for travel, and you do not need an ETA.
ETAs that were applied for in error will not be cancelled, but individuals should not apply for another one when it runs out.
Those with valid Isle of Man immigration permission are reassured that they will not be penalised for applying for an ETA.
Since 25 February 2026, the UK has required travellers who do not otherwise hold valid permission to enter or remain to obtain an ETA before boarding a flight or sailing to the UK or Isle of Man. However, individuals who already hold a valid Isle of Man immigration permission are exempt from this requirement. Isle of Man permissions are recognised in UK law under Schedule 4 of the Immigration Act 1971, which integrates the immigration laws of the UK and the Crown Dependencies.
The Isle of Man Government is aware that some carriers have, in error, advised passengers that an ETA was required, owing to confusion about the physical documents used to evidence Isle of Man immigration permissions.
Carriers who are uncertain whether a passenger holds valid permission to travel should contact the UK Home Office Carrier Support Hub for guidance, rather than requiring the passenger to obtain an ETA.
Further information is available on the Travel Information webpage.
