UK to Enforce Mandatory Digital Entry Permission From February 2026
Electronic Travel Authorisation becomes compulsory for most visa-free visitors arriving in the United Kingdom
From 25 February 2026, the United Kingdom will implement a major overhaul of its entry requirements by making advance digital permission mandatory for most travellers who previously entered without a visa.
Under the new regime, visitors from around 85 visa-exempt countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, European Union states and other popular source markets — will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before they can board flights, trains or ferries to the UK.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, is a digital travel permit designed to enhance border security and streamline the arrival process.
Although the system has been in operation since 2023 in a voluntary form, the February 2026 enforcement marks the first time that entry without an approved ETA will be legally prohibited for those who do not need a visa.
Carriers will be responsible for checking that passengers hold either an ETA or an appropriate eVisa before travel, and failure to secure one could result in denied boarding.
The ETA, which is not itself a visa but functions as a pre-travel screening tool, typically costs around £16 and can be valid for multiple entries over two years or until the applicant’s passport expires.
Travellers should apply well in advance of planned trips, as border officials and carriers will strictly enforce the requirement once it takes effect.
The change applies to short-term visits for tourism, family visits, business, study and certain transit stays, but does not replace existing visa requirements for those who already need one.
British and Irish citizens, as well as travellers with existing immigration permission linked to their passports, are exempt from the ETA requirement.
The government says the policy strengthens the UK’s ability to assess travel risk before arrival, aligns with similar systems used by other countries and promotes more efficient border management.
Visitors should carefully check their eligibility and make sure to secure digital approval before booking travel to the UK after the new rules come into force in early 2026.
Under the new regime, visitors from around 85 visa-exempt countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, European Union states and other popular source markets — will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before they can board flights, trains or ferries to the UK.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, is a digital travel permit designed to enhance border security and streamline the arrival process.
Although the system has been in operation since 2023 in a voluntary form, the February 2026 enforcement marks the first time that entry without an approved ETA will be legally prohibited for those who do not need a visa.
Carriers will be responsible for checking that passengers hold either an ETA or an appropriate eVisa before travel, and failure to secure one could result in denied boarding.
The ETA, which is not itself a visa but functions as a pre-travel screening tool, typically costs around £16 and can be valid for multiple entries over two years or until the applicant’s passport expires.
Travellers should apply well in advance of planned trips, as border officials and carriers will strictly enforce the requirement once it takes effect.
The change applies to short-term visits for tourism, family visits, business, study and certain transit stays, but does not replace existing visa requirements for those who already need one.
British and Irish citizens, as well as travellers with existing immigration permission linked to their passports, are exempt from the ETA requirement.
The government says the policy strengthens the UK’s ability to assess travel risk before arrival, aligns with similar systems used by other countries and promotes more efficient border management.
Visitors should carefully check their eligibility and make sure to secure digital approval before booking travel to the UK after the new rules come into force in early 2026.
