The United Kingdom will introduce mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visitors from 85 countries who currently enter without a visa, while exempting British citizens and people who hold British nationality alongside another nationality. From February 25th, 2026, travellers from nations including the United States, Canada and France will need an ETA before boarding transport to the
The announcement was issued by the UK Home Office, which said the change is part of its plan to move to a fully digital immigration system. Under this system, every non-British and non-Irish traveller will need either an ETA or an eVisa, and transport carriers will be required to check permission before passengers begin their journey.
Digital permission for entry
The Home Office stated that the ETA requirement supports the transition towards a contactless border. Once enforcement begins, all visa-free visitors will have to secure digital permission in advance, whether travelling for tourism, business, family visits or transit through UK passport control.
The ETA system was introduced in October 2023 and has been available during a phased rollout. More than 13.3 million people have applied since the launch. According to the Home Office, this early phase helped familiarise passengers with the process before making it compulsory.
During the rollout period, the requirement was not strictly enforced. Officials said this approach was chosen to reduce disruption and allow passengers time to adapt, in a similar manner to how the United States and Canada introduced their own electronic travel systems.
Government statement
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, said the system strengthens the UK’s ability to assess travellers before they depart for the country.
“ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration,” he said.
Tapp also noted that the digital process is intended to support a more efficient experience for travellers. “Digitising the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience,” he said.
Application process and processing times
Travellers must apply using the official UK ETA app and pay a fee of £16. The application asks for basic personal information, passport details and travel plans. Most decisions are issued automatically within minutes, but the Home Office advises applying at least three working days before travel to account for applications requiring manual review.
An ETA grants permission to travel to the UK but does not replace existing entry rules for short-term visits. Border officers will continue to decide whether an individual meets entry conditions upon arrival.
Exemptions and guidance for dual nationals
British and Irish citizens are not required to obtain an ETA. The exemption also applies to people who hold British nationality alongside another nationality. The Home Office advises dual nationals to travel using a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement. Failure to do so may result in being refused boarding once the ETA becomes mandatory in February 2026.
The Home Office further noted that the ETA requirement is one element of a programme to digitise border processes and improve the management of traveller information in the coming years.
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