As of in the present day, Wednesday 25 February 2026, travellers from 85 international locations who’re exempt from visa necessities will likely be refused entry to the UK with out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The transfer is a big step in direction of digitising the UK’s immigration system, paving the approach for a contactless border. With the new plans in impact, the overwhelming majority of travellers to the UK would require an ETA, an e-visa, or a British passport to enter the nation.
In a press release launched by the UK authorities in November 2025, minister for migration and citizenship, Mike Tapp, stated, “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.”
While the ETA roll-out has been ongoing for a few years, it was not strictly enforced, permitting travellers to regulate to the new requirement in the identical approach the United States and Canada did with their new journey schemes. However, the checks are extra stringent as of Wednesday 25 February.
In an preliminary assertion launched in 2024 by then-minister for migration and citizenship, Seema Malhotra, stated, “Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year. The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.”
How do I apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK?
Anyone travelling to the UK can see their eligibility for the ETA scheme at gov.uk. To apply for an ETA, you’ll want:
- The passport you’ll journey with
- An e-mail handle
- A bank card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Photos of the face of the particular person making use of
How a lot does an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) price?
At the time of writing, Wednesday 25 February, ETAs price £16 per particular person via the official channel linked above – different websites might cost extra, however don’t supply sooner choices. As with all such charges, the price is saved underneath overview, and the British authorities has already introduced its intention to extend it to £20 in the future.
How lengthy does it take to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
Most purposes are mechanically accredited inside minutes. However, it’s really useful to permit three working days (Monday-Friday) in case purposes require further overview.
From Wednesday, 25 February, twin British residents may very well be stopped at check-in except they carry the proper passport
How lengthy does an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) final?
An ETA lasts for two years or till your passport expires – whichever is sooner. You’re permitted to journey to the UK as many instances as you want whereas it stays legitimate.
Who wants to use for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
Residents and nationals of the following international locations are required to use for an ETA forward of arrival in the United Kingdom:
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
What occurs if an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is denied?
If an ETA utility is rejected, candidates are knowledgeable of the purpose and may reapply to make sure there was no error. However, if an ETA is refused, candidates can not attraction; as an alternative, they need to apply for a visa in the event that they nonetheless want to search permission to return to the UK.