UK Visit Visa Now Required for Nauru Nationals: Urgent Rule Change Announced
The UK has introduced an immediate change to its border policy: nationals of Nauru must now apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK. This replaces their previous eligibility to use the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
The rule took effect on 9 December 2025 at 3pm (UK time) and is part of the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1491).
This update affects anyone from Nauru planning tourism, short business trips, family visits, medical treatment, or transit through the UK.
Why Did the UK Add a Visit Visa Requirement for Nauru?
The Home Office says the decision is linked to Nauru’s new Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, introduced earlier this year.
The UK Government considers the programme high-risk, saying that:
It allows individuals to obtain a new identity with minimal ties to Nauru
It is vulnerable to misuse by criminal actors
The UK has low confidence in the programme’s vetting and due diligence
It could allow people to bypass UK immigration controls
Due to these concerns, the Government concluded the scheme poses an “unsustainable risk” to UK border security.
Who Can Still Travel Without a Visa? (Very Limited Group)
Some Nauru nationals can still travel under the ETA rules, but only if all three conditions are met:
✔️ They already hold a valid ETA
✔️ Their travel booking to the UK was made on or before 3pm on 9 December 2025
✔️ They will arrive in the UK no later than 3pm on 20 January 2026
Anyone who does not meet these conditions must now apply for a Standard UK Visit Visa before travelling.
What Nauru Travellers Should Do Now
If you are from Nauru and planning to visit the UK:
1. Check whether you fall under the transitional exemption
Most travellers will not. If unsure, ASKVisas can check for you.
2. If not exempt, apply for a UK Visit Visa
This includes travel for family visits, holidays, business meetings, studies under 6 months, or medical treatment.
3. Avoid travelling without clear permission
Airlines are expected to deny boarding to Nauru nationals without a valid Visit Visa or confirmed exemption.
How ASKVisas Can Help
ASKVisas provides free WhatsApp advice, including:
Quick eligibility checks
Help understanding whether you need a visa
Guidance on required documents
Tips to avoid refusals
Support for urgent travel plans
We operate on a “no visa, no fee” basis for paid application services — meaning you only pay after your visa is issued.