Moroccan travellers heading to the United Kingdom now need to meet new digital entry rules, with airlines checking immigration status online before passengers can board.
In a notice to customers, Royal Air Maroc said the new rules took effect on Wednesday 25 February as part of the UK’s move to modernise its border system.
From now on, the right to enter the UK is proven through an electronic immigration status linked directly to a passport and checked at check-in. For travellers who need a visa, including Moroccan nationals, the eVisa will become the only valid proof. Physical visa stickers in passports are being phased out and replaced with a digital record stored in a “UK Visas and Immigration” account.
Passengers are told to make sure, before going to the airpor,t that their passport is properly linked to their eVisa.
ETA now required for some travellers
The change also affects people who do not normally need a visa. Since 25 February 2026, they must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, known as an ETA, before travelling. The ETA is linked to the passport and checked automatically by the airline. If the system does not find a valid approval, the passenger will not be allowed to board.
Royal Air Maroc said travellers who already have a valid UK visa do not need an ETA, as long as their UKVI account is up to date. International transit passengers passing through Heathrow or Manchester without going through passport control are also exempt.
Dual British nationals must travel with a valid British or Irish passport, or show a certificate of entitlement.
The airline urged passengers to check their situation and complete the required steps through the official UK government website before departure.
Full switch by 28 February
The update follows an earlier announcement by the British Embassy in Morocco confirming the wider use of the eVisa for Moroccan nationals.
The move is part of the UK government’s Border Strategy 2025. Officials say it marks a historic shift away from passport stickers and stamps towards a fully digital and “contactless” system.
Under the new setup, airlines must confirm during check-in that a passenger’s passport matches an active digital status in the UK Home Office system. If there is no match, the boarding pass cannot be issued.
While the process has already started, 28 February 2026 is expected to mark the full transition, with most travellers required to use the digital system.
What travellers should remember
The ETA is for visa-exempt nationals. It is not a visa but a digital permission to travel. It costs £10, is valid for two years and allows multiple trips.
The eVisa replaces the physical visa sticker. The approval exists only online and is linked to the passport number in the UKVI database.
Travellers who renew their passports must update their details in their UKVI account. The digital status does not automatically move to a new passport.
The changes also come as Biometric Residence Permits are being phased out, with most physical cards having expired at the end of 2024 as part of the move to a fully digital system.
