UK Requires Digital Travel Approval for Visa-Free Visitors Starting Today

From 25 February 2026, the United Kingdom has begun enforcing a major new travel rule that affects many visitors who previously did not need a visa to enter the country. Under this change, people from about 85 visa-free countries — including the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and others — must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they can board a flight, ferry or train to the UK. Carriers such as airlines are now required to check that passengers hold a valid ETA, or they may be refused travel.

The ETA is a digital travel permission separate from a visa. It normally costs around £16 and is linked electronically to the traveller’s passport. Once approved, it allows multiple short visits — usually up to six months per trip — and remains valid for up to two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. Visitors should apply before planning to travel to avoid being denied boarding at the airport.

This scheme was first introduced in a phased rollout over the last few years. It started with early applications in late 2023, expanded in 2025 to include many European nationalities, and is now being strictly enforced from today.

Despite this requirement, British and Irish citizens are exempt and do not need an ETA to travel. Other exceptions also apply, but anyone who previously could enter without a visa now needs an ETA — even if they are only transiting through the UK on a connection flight.

Travel experts and the UK Home Office say the new system aims to strengthen border security and modernise the UK’s entry procedures, but they advise travellers to check their ETA status online well ahead of departure to avoid problems.

Read more: https://www.ein.org.uk/news/non-visa-nationals-require-digital-permission-travel-uk-today

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