Our Reporter
The United Kingdom will begin full enforcement of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers from February 25, 2026, the UK government has announced. Travellers who fail to obtain an ETA before departure risk being denied boarding on flights, trains, or ferries bound for the UK.
The announcement was made via a statement on X (formerly Twitter) by UK Visas and Immigration, an agency under the Home Office. “From 25 February 2026, eligible visitors to the UK can’t legally travel without an Electronic Travel Authorisation,” the statement read. Prospective travellers are urged to apply through the official GOV.UK website or the UK ETA mobile application.
What is the ETA?
The ETA scheme is part of the UK’s digital immigration overhaul, aimed at strengthening border security while streamlining entry for short-term visitors. It requires pre-travel authorisation for nationals of around 85 countries that do not ordinarily need a visa for stays up to six months. Eligible countries include the United States, Canada, France, and several other European nations.
It is important to note that Nigerians are not affected, as they require a visa to enter the UK.
From February 25, transport operators will be legally obligated to confirm that travellers hold a valid ETA before allowing boarding, replacing the current discretionary checks.
Who Needs an ETA?
The requirement applies to non-visa nationals travelling to the UK for tourism, business, or short-term study (up to six months). British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt but advised to carry proof of citizenship—such as a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement—to avoid delays. Individuals holding existing UK residency permission or an eVisa are also exempt.
Cost and Validity
An ETA application currently costs £16 and is valid for multiple entries over two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. The UK government has indicated the fee may rise to £20 in the future.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online via GOV.UK or through the official UK ETA mobile app. Applicants must provide passport details, contact information, and respond to security-related questions. While most applications are approved within minutes, travellers are advised to apply at least three days before departure to avoid last-minute complications.
The ETA is part of a global trend toward electronic travel authorisations, similar to systems in the United States (ESTA) and Canada (eTA). The UK government says the move is intended to improve border security, manage migration flows, and ensure that all short-term visitors are pre-screened before arrival.
With less than three weeks to the full enforcement date, travel agents and airlines have intensified public awareness campaigns to ensure that affected travellers comply and avoid disruptions at departure points.