A fresh report from the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) – published on 25 June 2026 – criticises how Border Force decides when to refuse or cancel permission to enter the UK. Inspectors say practices vary by port, data capture is weak and there is no overarching strategy as the UK moves towards a fully electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system. The six-month review covered airports, seaports and juxtaposed controls in France and Belgium. While no evidence of inappropriate refusals was found, the “historic, face-to-face” model has yet to be reconciled with contact-less border ambitions. The Home Office accepted both recommendations: define the future purpose of refusals activity and overhaul data assurance. For companies relocating staff, inconsistency at the primary control point can translate into unpredictable secondary interviews and missed onward connections. The report’s call for sharper guidance should, once implemented, produce more uniform treatment of legitimate travellers and faster clearance for eVisa holders. The findings also highlight gaps in readiness for the ETA regime that starts 25 February 2026 for visa-exempt nationals. Employers should remind frequent visitors to apply early once their nationality becomes eligible and monitor carrier-compliance announcements, as airlines will bear liability for transporting unauthorised passengers. The ICIBI will revisit progress next year; mobility teams may therefore see updated Border Force operating manuals in early 2027. Travel-risk policies should be adjusted once the Home Office publishes revised refusal criteria aligned with digital risk -scoring.
Source: GOV.UK – ICIBI
