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You won’t be able to travel to the UK without advance permission from early next year.
Visitors from 85 countries, who do not currently need a visa, will not be able to travel to the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026 onwards.
Launched in October 2023, it has not been strictly enforced to allow travellers time to adjust to the new rules. But this is set to change early next year, according to the UK government. What is an ETA?
The ETA is a digital permit for short stays in the UK – not a visa or tax. It only applies to travellers who don’t already need a visa, like those from the EU, Canada and the US. It allows visitors to stay in the UK for up to six months to visit family or for tourism purposes.
Currently, it is being rolled out in phases and with the first phase launched in October 2023 for some nationalities. Since then, more than 13.3 million ETAs have been issued, according to the UK government.
So far, the UK has not enforced the ETA requirement to allow travellers time to adjust to the changes. But from February 2026, it will become mandatory and eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport or legally travel to the UK.
All visitors to the UK must either have an ETA or an eVisa, with carriers checking people before they travel.
Who will need an ETA?
Travellers from 85 countries, including the EU, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica and more will need an ETA. However, British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, will be exempt.
Despite this, the UK government has advised dual British citizens to ensure to have a valid certificate of entitlement or British passport when travelling to the UK from 25 February onwards, to avoid being denied boarding.
An ETA isn’t required for visitors transiting through London Heathrow or Manchester airports who don’t pass through passport control.
How to apply for an ETA?
Visitors can apply for an ETA through the official UK ETA app, which is available both on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The application currently costs £16 (€18.20).
Travellers can also apply through the UK government’s website if they do not have access to a smartphone. Contact and passport details, as well as a valid photo, are required.
Most people get a decision automatically in a few minutes; however, the government recommends that travellers allow for three working days for cases which need additional review.
An ETA will last for two years, or until the visitor’s passport expires – whichever comes first.
Why is the UK introducing ETAs?
The UK government says ETAs are expected to significantly help in modernising the UK immigration system by streamlining its digitisation and helping pave the way towards a contactless UK border down the line. It also claims they will help improve security and migration management.
“ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration. ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitising the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience,” Mike Tapp, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said on the UK government website.
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