No Permission, No Travel: UK to Fully Enforce ETA Scheme From February 2026
The UK is preparing for a major shift in border control, confirming that all visa-free travellers will soon need advance digital permission before stepping on a plane.
From 25 February 2026, visitors from 85 nationalities including travellers from the United States, Canada, France, New Zealand, and Australia will not be able to legally travel to the UK without securing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
This marks one of the most significant milestones in the UK’s move toward a fully digitised, contactless border system.
What Is Changing?
The ETA was first introduced in late 2023, but until now the requirement has been lightly enforced to give travellers and airlines time to adjust.
That grace period is ending – From 2026:
- Every non-visa traveller must have an ETA or eVisa before boarding.
- Airlines and carriers must verify ETA approval before allowing travel.
- Travellers on connecting flights, who need to pass through UK passport control, will also require an ETA.
The message is simple: no digital permission, no travel.
Why the UK Is Enforcing the ETA
The government says the ETA will form the backbone of a smarter and safer immigration system.
Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp emphasised two key benefits:
- Security: ETAs provide earlier, stronger screening and allow the UK to stop high-risk individuals before they reach the border.
- Efficiency: Digital immigration permission speeds up the arrival process, giving travellers a smoother, faster experience.
More than 13.3 million visitors have already used the ETA during its rollout phase, demonstrating that the system can operate at scale.
How to Apply – And What It Costs
Applying for the ETA is designed to be simple and fast:
- Apply via the official UK ETA app
- Cost: £16
- Most approvals arrive within minutes, though travellers are encouraged to allow three working days for cases requiring additional checks
The ETA is valid for multiple trips over two years, making it more affordable than many comparable travel authorisation schemes.
Who Is Exempt?
The following travellers do not need an ETA:
- British citizens
- Irish citizens
- Dual British citizens, provided they travel on a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement
The UK strongly urges dual nationals to update or renew British passports in advance, to avoid issues such as being denied boarding after the enforcement date.
What This Means for Travellers
The UK is joining countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and the EU in requiring pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors.
For passengers, this means:
- More pre-trip admin
- Stricter airline checks
- Potential delays if travelling without ETA approval
For the UK, it’s a major step toward a fully digital border, enhanced security, and more predictable flows through airports.