No permission, no travel: UK set to enforce ETA scheme
Starting 25 February 2026, travellers will no longer be allowed to enter the United Kingdom without advance digital permission. Citizens of 85 visa-exempt countries — including the United States, Canada, and France — must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK.
Starting 25 February 2026, travellers will no longer be allowed to enter the United Kingdom without advance digital permission. Citizens of 85 visa-exempt countries — including the United States, Canada, and France — must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK.
This policy marks a major move towards a fully digitised immigration system and supports the UK’s long-term plan for a contactless border. Once implemented, all travellers will need either an ETA or an eVisa before boarding, and carriers will be required to verify this prior to departure.
Since the introduction of the ETA programme in October 2023, more than 13.3 million travellers have applied successfully and benefited from faster, streamlined entry procedures. The ETA has increasingly become an essential part of UK travel, even for passengers transiting through the country.
UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, said the system enhances security by preventing individuals who may pose a threat from entering the country and improves the overall efficiency of border management. He also noted that the digital process provides visitors with a smoother travel experience.
During its initial rollout, enforcement was lenient to allow travellers time to adapt — a strategy similar to the approaches used in the United States and Canada. Applying for an ETA is straightforward through the official UK ETA app, with an application fee of £16. Most applicants receive automatic approval within minutes, though the government advises allowing up to three working days for cases requiring additional checks.
British and Irish citizens — including dual nationals — are exempt from the ETA requirement. However, the UK government urges dual British citizens to ensure they travel with a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid being denied boarding once strict enforcement begins in 2026.
GROUP 1
Listen Live
Visit Aha FM
