- Mandatory Date: The UK will strictly enforce the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement starting February 25, 2026.
- Affected Travelers: Visitors from 85 non-visa countries, including the US, Canada, and EU nations, must obtain an ETA for short stays.
- Permit Details: The ETA is a digital permit allowing stays up to six months and costs £16 (€18.20) with a validity of two years.
- Government Rationale: The ETA aims to modernize the UK immigration system, enhance border security, and improve migration management
The United Kingdom will begin strict enforcement of its new digital travel permit, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), starting February 25, 2026. This mandate will apply to visitors from 85 countries who are currently permitted to enter the UK without a visa, including citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and the European Union. After this date, eligible travelers who do not possess a valid ETA will be denied boarding for transport to the UK.
The ETA is a digital permit for short stays, allowing visitors to remain in the UK for up to six months for tourism or family visits. It is not considered a visa or a tax. The system was first launched in October 2023 but was initially not strictly enforced to allow travelers a period of adjustment. Since its soft launch, over 13.3 million ETAs have been issued.
The UK government claims the introduction of the ETA is a crucial step in modernizing the nation’s immigration system, aiming for greater digitization and paving the way for a contactless border experience. Officials also state that the ETA will help improve security and migration management by providing a fuller picture of who is entering the country.
Applying for the ETA costs £16 (€18.20) and can be done through the official UK ETA app or the government website. While most decisions are automatic and returned within minutes, travelers are advised to allow up to three working days for review. Once issued, an ETA remains valid for two years or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first.
