Updated guidance for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens covers visiting the UK while an EU Settlement Scheme or family permit application is pending, dated 9 February 2026.
Key facts
- Who: Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who have settled or pre-settled status, hold an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or are waiting for a decision on an EU Settlement Scheme application
- From: 9 February 2026
- Source: Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen
The guidance, Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, now includes information about visiting the UK for people who have applied for the EU Settlement Scheme or for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.
The guidance says a visa or an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is not needed by anyone who has settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, has an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or is waiting for a decision on an EU Settlement Scheme application. Other citizens of EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips with an ETA instead of a visa. Irish citizens can continue to enter and live in the UK without a visa.
A valid passport, a valid Irish passport card or, in some cases, a valid national identity card is needed to enter the UK. This must be valid for the whole time the person is in the UK. A valid national identity card can also be used by people who meet all of these conditions:
- they have applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or under the Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man settlement scheme
- they have been issued with confirmation that the application is valid
- they are not applying as a joining family member, unless they have a valid or expired EUSS family permit
National identity cards that comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for biometric identification will continue to be accepted indefinitely in these cases. Cards that do not comply can continue to be used until announced otherwise.
For non-EEA national family members of citizens from these countries, the guidance says a valid passport is required, and that it should be valid for the whole of the stay. They may also need a visa or an ETA, depending on which country they are from and the reason for their stay. Anyone who needs a visa must show their airline or transport provider (the carrier) either a valid visa or a visa exemption document, such as an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.
The guidance tells anyone waiting for a decision on an EU Settlement Scheme application to check the rules for entering the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme and EU Settlement Scheme family permit.
What this means for applicants
If you are a citizen of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and are waiting for a decision on an EU Settlement Scheme application, you do not need a visa or an ETA to enter the UK. You can use a valid national identity card if you have been issued with confirmation that your application is valid and you are not applying as a joining family member, unless you have a valid or expired EUSS family permit.
If you are a non-EEA national family member, you must have a valid passport, which the guidance says should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa or an ETA, depending on your country and the reason for your stay. If you need a visa, show your carrier either a valid visa or a visa exemption document, such as an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.
Related guide: https://ukvisa.blog/eu-citizens-rights/
Sources