Starting February 25, 2026, the United Kingdom will fully enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for all travellers who are eligible for visa-free entry. This means that even if you do not ordinarily need a visa to visit the UK for tourism, business, or short stays of up to six months, you will not be allowed to travel without a valid ETA — and this includes boarding your flight or other transport.
What the ETA Is
The ETA is a digital travel authorisation — similar to systems used by the United States (ESTA) and Canada (eTA). It requires eligible visitors to submit basic personal and passport information, answer simple travel-related questions, and receive permission before entering the UK. Once approved, it allows multiple short visits (up to six months per trip) for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.
Who Must Apply
Travellers from about 85 visa-exempt countries and territories — including citizens from the United States, Canada, EU states, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, UAE, and many others — must obtain an ETA before travelling if their stay will be six months or less. Carriers (airlines and other transport providers) will check for a valid ETA before allowing passengers to board.
Exemptions include:
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British and Irish citizens (no ETA needed)
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Those holding a valid UK visa or eVisa (e.g., work, study, settlement visa)
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Some legal residents under specific arrangements (like Common Travel Area rules)
If you hold dual citizenship, it’s strongly recommended that you travel using the passport that does not require an ETA — for example, a British passport if you are a UK national with another nationality — to avoid being treated as a visa-exempt traveller who must apply.
Fee Changes — Apply Early to Save
The ETA has already seen a fee increase — rising to £16 in 2025 — and another increase to £20 (around US$27) is expected soon as part of broader immigration fee updates. Travellers planning trips to the UK after February 2026 are advised to apply early before the new fee comes into force, as once the deadline hits the higher fee will apply.
Important Rules to Remember
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No ETA, no boarding: From Feb 25, 2026, airlines and transport carriers will refuse to board travellers who need an ETA but don’t have one.
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Apply in advance: Most applications are processed quickly, often in minutes, but authorities recommend applying at least 3 working days before travel in case of additional review.
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Valid for multiple trips: A single approved ETA is valid for two years or until passport expiry — you won’t need a new one for every short trip during that time.
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Applies in transit: If you pass through UK immigration control during a connection or layover, you will also need an ETA.
Why the UK Introduced the ETA
The UK government says the ETA helps:
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Screen travellers before arrival, enhancing border security
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Reduce risk by checking eligibility ahead of time
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Create a more digital, streamlined travel system
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Detect potential concerns earlier than at the border itself
The ETA rollout has been gradual since October 2023, with millions already approved under the scheme. The February 2026 enforcement removes the earlier “grace period” that allowed some travellers to enter without one while the system was phasing in.