The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is officially mandatory from 25 February 2026. Non-visa nationals who fail to secure digital travel permission will be denied boarding by airlines.

Who Needs an ETA and How It Works

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation applies to nationals from 85 countries, including the United States, Canada, and France. Visitors must apply online or through the UK ETA app before traveling.

The permit costs £16 and allows multiple entries for up to two years or until the passport expires. Once approved, the ETA is digitally linked to the traveler’s passport.

Travelers connecting through the UK and passing passport control must also hold an ETA. Airlines are responsible for checking compliance prior to boarding.

British and Irish citizens are exempt. However, they must travel using a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement.

Revenue, Digital Expansion, and Border Security Goals

Since October 2023, more than 19 million ETAs have been approved. By January 2026, the system generated over £383 million in revenue, reinvested into border and immigration improvements.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation supports the broader digitisation of immigration controls. More than 10 million eVisas have already been issued as part of the transition away from physical documents.

Officials state that the ETA system strengthens security screening by identifying potential threats before arrival. Most applications are processed automatically within minutes, although travelers are advised to apply at least three working days in advance.

The enforcement marks a significant step toward a contactless UK border system.