Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): update 25/11/25

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation to be enforced, visitors to the UK will be unable to travel to the UK without a permission.

From 25 ^th  February 2026,  the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement will be strictly enforced. ETA is a legal requirement, and carriers will not board eligible visitors without one. From this date, everyone (except British and Irish citizens) wishing to travel to the UK will need a permission to travel. Wherever possible, the permission will be digitally linked to the passport being used. This must be shown through an ETA, eVisa, other acceptable physical proof or an exemption.

Background

An ETA is required by eligible passengers visiting or transiting landside via the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays and do not have a valid UK immigration status prior to travelling. People who require a visa  to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA. Those who are exempt from immigration control will not require an ETA.

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple through the UK ETA app 

Applicants must apply for an ETA with the passport they will travel with, as the ETA is digitally linked to that document.

We recommend that travellers apply at least three working days in advance of travel most. ETA applications are processed very rapidly but may take longer on some occasions.

Digital support with applications is available via an  ETA webchat The webchat is operated by UK Government officials Mon- Fri, 9am -5pm (UK time) and via webform outside these hours.

Visitors from 85 nationalities, including the United States, Canada, and France, who do not need a visa will not be able to legally travel to the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026.

This is a significant step towards digitising the immigration system and paves the way for a contactless UK border in the future.

Enforcing will mean that everyone who wants to come to the UK must have digital permission through either an ETA or an eVisa. Carriers will be checking people before they travel.

Since the launch of ETA in October 2023, more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully applied and benefited from faster, smoother travel. ETA is now a fundamental part of travel, including for visitors who take connecting flights and go through UK passport control.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, 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.

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.

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple through the official UK ETA app, and the cost is competitive at £16. While most people currently get a decision automatically in minutes, it is recommended to allow 3 working days to account for the small number of cases that require additional review.

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.

Key messages

• Each year the UK welcomes millions of visitors from around the world. From holidays to short term study or business trips, the UK is a dynamic, diverse, and exciting destination.

• We are making improvements to deliver a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year.

• The introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat.

• Visitors to the UK who do not need a visa for short stays (up to six months) and do not have a UK immigration status need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). From 25 February 2026 eligible visitors without one will not be able to board their transport and cannot legally travel to the UK.

• Eligible visitors who take connecting flights (transiting) and go through UK passport control need an ETA. Those transiting through Heathrow and Manchester airports who do not go through UK passport control do not currently need an ETA.

• Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Visit GOV.UK for more information and download the UK ETA app to apply.

• An ETA costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

• British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA, including dual citizens. Dual British citizens must have a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK.

• For more information, please visit GOV.UK

key messages

If you do not need a visa to visit the UK for short stays of up to six months, you need an Electronic

Travel Authorisation (ETA). From 25 February 2026, without an ETA, you will not be able to board your transport or legally travel to the UK.

Visit GOV.UK for more information and download the UK ETA app to apply.

Applying is quick and simple. It costs £16, lasts two years and permits multiple journeys to the UK.

Most applications made on the UK ETA app are approved in minutes, but you should allow three

working days for a decision.

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