The government is to start enforcing new rules for entry into the UK from February 25, 2026.
Visitors from 85 nationalities, including the US, Canada and France, who do not need a visa will not be able to legally travel to the UK without a £16 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from that date.
Enforcement means that everyone who wants to come to the UK must have digital permission through either an ETA or an eVisa, the Home Office announced.
Carriers will be checking people before they travel.
A statement issued today (Monday) said: “This is a significant step towards digitising the immigration system and paves the way for a contactless UK border in the future.”
More than 13.3 million visitors have applied for ETAs since the introduction in October 2023. The cost of an ETA rose from £10 to £16 in April.
“ETA is now a fundamental part of travel, including for visitors who take connecting flights and go through UK passport control,” the Home Office added.
“While ETA was being rolled out, it was not strictly enforced, to give visitors ample time to adjust to the new requirement. This is the same approach other countries such as the United States and Canada took for their travel schemes.”
ETAs can be obtained via a dedicated official app.
“While most people currently get a decision automatically in minutes, it is recommended to allow three working days to account for the small number of cases that require additional review,” the Home Office noted.
“British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt from needing an ETA. The UK government strongly advises dual British citizens to make sure they have a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement, to avoid problems like being denied boarding when travelling to the UK from 25 February 2026.”
Migration and citizenship minister Mike Tapp said: “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.
“ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitising the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience.”
