From 25 February 2026, visitors from 85 nationalities must hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation to travel to the UK, and airlines will stop passengers who lack the right permission.
Key facts
- Who: Non-visa nationals travelling to the UK, including those on connecting flights who pass through passport control; British and Irish citizens, who need specific passports or certificates; eVisa holders, who must keep their account details current.
- From: 25 February 2026
- Source: UK enforces digital permission to travel
The government's announcement is dated 24 February 2026 and says the requirement applies "from today (25 February)". Non-visa nationals who try to enter the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be barred under the new rules. Airlines will prevent passengers from boarding if they do not have an ETA, an eVisa or other valid documentation.
Visitors of 85 nationalities, including nationals of the United States, Canada and France, are now legally required to hold an ETA. An ETA costs £16, permits multiple journeys and lasts for 2 years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner. It is digitally linked to the passport once the application succeeds. ETAs are also mandatory for visitors who take connecting flights and go through passport control.
British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, do not need an ETA. They must instead present a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement when travelling. Carriers may, at their own discretion, accept some expired British passports as alternative documentation. From 26 February 2026, Certificates of Entitlement will be issued in digital format, so a certificate need only be applied for once rather than expiring with the passport.
eVisa holders, including those with EU Settlement Scheme status, need to keep their UK Visas and Immigration account up to date with their most recent passport details to avoid travel disruption.
Applicants apply through the UK ETA app. They give biographic and biometric details and answer questions on suitability and criminality. Most applicants currently receive a decision automatically within minutes, but visitors are advised to allow up to 3 working days before travel to cover cases that need extra review.
The government says over 19 million visitors have applied successfully since the ETA was introduced in October 2023.
What this means for travellers
Check before travelling that you hold an ETA, an eVisa or other valid documentation, because airlines will prevent boarding without it. Applying early leaves time for the small number of applications that need further review.
Anyone with an eVisa should check that the passport details in their UK Visas and Immigration account match their current passport. British and Irish dual citizens should check they hold a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement for travel.