LONDON, United Kingdom
The British government has officially made Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, mandatory for all visitors from visa-exempt countries, marking one of the most significant changes to the country’s border system in decades. As of February 25, 2026, travellers who previously did not need a visa to enter the UK must now secure digital approval before departure or risk being denied boarding.
The rollout completes a phased implementation that began in late 2023 and gradually expanded to cover additional nationalities, including European travellers in 2025. With full enforcement now in place, officials say the transition period is over. Airlines, ferry operators and rail carriers are required to verify that passengers hold a valid ETA before allowing them to travel to Britain. Those who fail to comply may face penalties.
According to the UK Home Office, the requirement applies to citizens of 85 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and most European nations. The ETA is a digital pre-clearance system designed to strengthen border security while streamlining entry procedures. Applicants must complete an online form, submit passport details and provide a recent photograph. In most straightforward cases, approval is issued within minutes and is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport.
The authorisation is generally valid for up to two years and allows multiple visits of up to six months at a time for tourism, business or short study. However, officials emphasize that an approved ETA does not automatically guarantee entry; border officers retain the authority to grant or refuse admission upon arrival.
The fee for the travel permit is set at £16, and authorities are advising travellers to apply well in advance of departure to avoid last-minute complications. With the system now fully active, transport operators have stepped up checks at departure points worldwide. The message from officials is clear: passengers without the proper digital authorisation will not be permitted to board.
British and Irish citizens remain exempt from the ETA requirement. However, dual nationals must ensure they travel on a valid British or Irish passport or carry appropriate documentation confirming their right of entry. The government has said these updated rules are part of a broader shift toward a fully digital border, including the gradual replacement of physical visa documents with electronic records.
Officials argue that the system brings the UK in line with other countries that operate similar pre-travel screening programs, such as the United States’ ESTA system and Canada’s eTA. Supporters say the new process enhances national security by allowing authorities to screen travellers before they reach British soil, while critics caution that clear communication and public awareness will be essential to avoid confusion.
As the policy takes effect worldwide, travel industry groups are urging passengers to double-check requirements before booking flights or heading to the airport. For millions of international visitors each year, advance digital clearance is now a mandatory first step in any journey to the United Kingdom.
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