UK: ETA now mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers

Planning a weekend in London, a cultural getaway in Edinburgh, a city break in Belfast, or an escape to Cardiff? As of February 25, 2026, there’s a new essential step before packing your bags for the United Kingdom: making sure you have a valid ETA.

Fully rolled out on April 2, 2025, the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is part of the UK government’s broader strategy to modernize and secure its borders. Although the system has been operational since that date, a so-called “grace period” allowed certain eligible travelers to board without a valid electronic travel authorization.

That grace period ends today. From now on, foreign visitors who are exempt from a UK visa but do not have an approved ETA will not be allowed to board a plane, train, or ferry bound for the United Kingdom.

The British government says the change is intended to create “a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure” for the millions of people who cross the UK border each year.

“The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public,” said Mike Tapp, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. He urges “anyone wanting to travel to the UK to ensure they are travel ready and have the right permission, to make their journey much smoother.”

What exactly is an ETA?

An ETA is a digital authorization to travel to the United Kingdom.

It is not a visa, nor is it an entry tax, and it does not guarantee admission into the country. It simply authorizes travel to the UK for nationals who are visa-exempt for short stays (up to six months) or who do not already hold UK immigration status.

The ETA is valid for two years, or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple visits of up to six months per entry.

The current fee is £16. However, the UK government notes that, like all administrative fees, this amount is subject to review, and an increase to £20 is being considered in the future.

How to apply for an ETA

The application process is designed to be simple and quick.

The most direct way to apply is through the official “UK ETA” app, available on Google Play and the App Store. Travelers without a smartphone can apply through the official GOV.UK website.

Most applicants receive an automated response within minutes. However, authorities recommend applying at least three business days before departure, as some applications may require additional review.

To obtain an ETA, applicants must:

• Scan or upload a copy of their passport
• Provide a digital photo that meets official requirements
• Answer a series of questions about their travel eligibility and criminal history
• Provide contact details
• Pay the ETA application fee

It is essential to travel with the same passport used for the application.

Travelers can also check the validity of their authorization using the “Check My ETA” service on GOV.UK.

Which nationalities are affected by the ETA?

The ETA applies to nationals of the following 84 countries and territories that are visa-exempt for short stays in the United Kingdom:

With the introduction of the ETA, the UK joins other countries that have implemented similar systems, including the United States (ESTA), Australia (ETA/eVisitor), South Korea (K-ETA), and soon the European Union (ETIAS).

From the program’s phased launch in October 2023 through the end of September 2025, nearly 20 million ETAs were issued, reflecting the system’s rapid expansion.

Special cases: transit, Northern Ireland, dual nationality, and ETA refusals

Airport transit

Eligible travelers transiting through the UK who pass through UK border control must have an ETA.

However, those transiting without clearing border control, particularly at Heathrow and Manchester airports, are not currently required to obtain an ETA.

Northern Ireland and the Common Travel Area (CTA)

The UK does not conduct routine immigration checks within the Common Travel Area (CTA) and does not operate border controls at the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

However, anyone entering the UK, including Northern Ireland, must comply with UK immigration rules, including holding an ETA if required.

Legal residents of Ireland whose nationality is typically visa-exempt (such as EU or U.S. citizens) do not need an ETA when traveling within the CTA, provided they can prove lawful residence.

British dual nationals

Individuals who hold dual British or Irish citizenship are exempt from the ETA requirement.

British dual nationals are generally expected to travel with a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement.

As of February 25, 2026, those who cannot present one of these documents may be subject to additional identity checks and will not be allowed to proceed through passport control until their British nationality has been verified.

However, UK authorities now clarify that it is up to carriers (airlines, rail operators, or ferry companies) to decide whether to accept alternative documentation? such as an expired British passport—and, if so, which types of documents they are willing to recognize. This decision is therefore subject to each carrier’s individual policy.

In this context, authorities strongly recommend that affected travelers carry a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement in order to avoid any risk of being denied boarding.

ETA rejections or refusals

If an ETA application is rejected, the traveler will be notified and may submit a new application.

If the application is formally refused, however, there is no right of appeal. In that case, the traveler must apply for a standard visa in order to travel.

eVisa, a new phase in the digitization of UK borders

February 25, 2026 also marks another major development: the acceleration of the UK’s transition to a fully digital immigration system, including the rollout of the eVisa.

Led by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the eVisa system is progressively replacing physical documents (visa vignettes and stickers) with a digital record of immigration status accessible through a UKVI account.

In practical terms, individuals applying for a visitor visa or certain other visa types from today will no longer receive a physical vignette in their passport. Instead, they will need to access their authorization online via their eVisa before traveling.

The transition is already underway. Since October 30, 2025, some applicants for work, study, or family visas have no longer systematically received a visa vignette, and eVisas began replacing visa stickers for several categories as early as July 2025.

Authorities emphasize that this transition does not affect a person’s immigration status or the conditions of entry or stay.

The eVisa offers several advantages: a secure document that cannot be lost or tampered with, faster proof of status at the border or when presented to an employer or landlord, and simplified communication with certain public authorities through automated information sharing.