Planning UK travel? Now all visa-exempt travellers need a digital permit

From February 25, 2026, travellers from 85 visa-exempt countries must secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation before flying to the UK, as part of a full digital shift

International visitors from countries so far visa-exempt will not be able to travel to the UK without advance permission in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) under new rules announced by the government on Monday.

 

Visitors from 85 nationalities, including the United States, Canada, and France, who have thus far not needed advance clearance, must apply online for an ETA from February 25, 2026, before entry to the UK. Indians already require visas across different categories when travelling to the UK and will be unaffected by this particular change.

 

“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,” said Mike Tapp, UK's Minister for Migration and Citizenship.

 

“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,” he said.

 

The UK Home Office said this marks a “significant step” towards digitising the country's immigration system and paves the way for a contactless UK border in the future.

 

Enforcing the new rules will mean that everyone who wants to come to the UK must have digital permission through either an ETA or an eVisa. All aircraft carriers will be required to check people have the requisite documentation before they board.

 

“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,” the Home Office said.

 

As part of a wider ETA rollout, it was not being strictly enforced to give travellers time to adjust to the new requirement – in line with the approach other countries such as the US and Canada took for similar travel schemes.

 

The Home Office claims that applying for an ETA is “quick and simple” through the official UK ETA app, and the cost has been set at GBP 16. While most people currently get a decision automatically in minutes, the government recommends travellers allow three 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,” the Home Office cautioned.

Under the new rules, all travellers to the UK will require an ETA if they do not already need a visa for short stays of up to six months or already have a longer-term UK immigration status.