Starting February 25, 2026, travellers from as many as 85 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, and France, will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the United Kingdom.
The UK government, in an official press release, confirmed today that the ETA will become fully mandatory for all visa-exempt visitors.
Until now, the UK ETA has been in a transition phase, allowing travellers some flexibility since its introduction in 2023. However, from early 2026, that grace period ends, and the ETA becomes mandatory.
Airlines and travel operators will also have to verify that passengers hold valid ETAs before boarding.
What is the UK ETA and Why It’s Being Enforced
The UK ETA is a digital travel permit like the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA. It allows visitors to enter the country for tourism, business, or transit without needing a traditional visa.
According to the Home Office, more than 13 million travellers have applied since the program started in October 2023. Officials say it improves border security and streamlines entry for legitimate travellers.
UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp stated that the system gives officials more control over who enters the country. He noted that digital checks help keep out those who might pose a risk and make the immigration process easier for others.
How to Apply for the ETA
Travellers can apply online or through the official “UK ETA” mobile app, available on both iOS and Android. The fee is £16 per person.
Most applications are approved within minutes; however, the government advises applying at least three days in advance of travel in case extra checks are required. Once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport.
Countries Requiring the ETA from 2026
Starting from February 2026, travellers from the following 85 countries and territories will need to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK:
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Monaco
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
What Travellers Should Know
- Effective date: February 25, 2026
- Cost: £16 per application
- Validity: Linked to passport, valid for multiple short visits
- Processing time: Usually minutes, but allow up to 3 days
- Where to apply: UK ETA official website or UK ETA app
Final Thoughts
From 2026, travellers who could once enter the UK visa-free will need to plan ahead and apply for an ETA before flying. It’s a quick online process, but skipping it could mean being denied boarding or entry.
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