No permission, no travel: UK will enforce ETA scheme | News
Visitors from 85 nationalities, including the United States, Canada and France, who do not require a visa, will no longer be able to legally travel to the United Kingdom without an electronic travel authorization (ETA) from February 25, 2026.
This is an important step towards the digitalisation of the immigration system and paves the way for a contactless UK border in the future.
Enforcement means that anyone wanting to come to Britain must obtain digital permission via an ETA or an eVisa. Carriers will check people before they travel.
Since ETA launched in October 2023, more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully registered and benefited from faster, smoother travel. ETA is now a fundamental part of travel, including for visitors taking connecting flights and going through British passport control.
Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said:
ETAs give us more power to prevent those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and give us a more complete picture of immigration.
ETAs are also better for travelers. The digitalisation of the immigration system ensures that the millions of people we welcome to Britain every year can enjoy a more seamless travel experience.
While ETA was rolled out, it was not strictly enforced, to give visitors enough time to adapt to the new requirement. This is the same approach that other countries, such as the United States and Canada, have taken for their travel programs.
Applying for an ETA is quick and easy via the official UK ETA app, and the cost is competitive at £16. Although most people currently receive an automatic decision within minutes, it is recommended to allow three working days for the small number of cases that require additional assessment.
British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt from the need for an ETA. The UK Government strongly advises dual nationals to ensure they have a valid UK passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid issues such as denied boarding when traveling to the UK from 25 February 2026.
