The United Kingdom is set to usher in a change to its border control system, with the full enforcement of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for 85 countries.
Starting February 25, 2026, travellers from 85 visa-exempt countries will be legally required to secure an ETA before boarding their transport to the UK.
This new requirement will impact millions of visitors annually, including nationals from key global partners like the United States, Canada, Australia, and all European Union (EU) member states, who previously enjoyed visa-free entry into the United Kingdom Kingdom.
The government emphasized the “No permission, no travel” policy, meaning carriers will be mandated to check for the digital permission, either an ETA or an eVisa, before allowing passengers to travel.
The UK government announced that the introduction of the mandatory ETA for 85 Countries is a central component of its plan to strengthen border security and pre-vet travellers.
UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp stated that the system gives officials more control over who enters the country. He noted that digital checks help keep out those who might pose a risk and make the immigration process easier for others.
Tapp said: “ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and give 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.”
Airlines and travel operators will also have to verify that passengers hold valid ETAs before boarding, Tapp revealed.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the ETA is a digital travel permit like the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA. It allows visitors to enter the country for tourism, business, or transit without needing a traditional visa.
Countries Requiring the ETA from 2026
Starting from February 2026, the UK government mandated ETA for 85 countries below:
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Monaco
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
How to Apply for the ETA
Travellers can apply online or through the official “UK ETA” mobile app, available on both iOS and Android. The fee is £16 per person.
Most applications are approved within minutes; however, the government advises applying at least three days in advance of travel in case extra checks are required. Once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport.
