From 25 February 2026, airlines, ferry operators, and international rail providers will be legally required to deny boarding to travellers from non-visa countries who do not have:
While the ETA system has been rolled out in phases since 2023, the UK Home Office will move from a "soft launch" to full UK ETA enforcement from 25 February, 2026. Carriers will have no discretion to allow travel without valid permission once the new rules apply.
Dual British or Irish citizens who typically travel on a non-UK or non-Irish passport must hold:
From February 2026, dual British or Irish citizens will no longer be permitted to rely on another nationality’s passport without one of the above documents, as they are not eligible for a UK ETA.
Cost: £16 per person, including children and infants
Validity: Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first
Who Needs an ETA: Nationals of approximately 85 visa-exempt countries, including The United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and all EU Member States. An ETA is required for:
Short visits of up to 6 months, or
Transiting through the UK
Nationals from these countries are not visa-exempt and must continue to apply for a UK visa before travelling and will not require an ETA before travelling.
You do not need an ETA if you hold:
A valid British or Irish passport
A valid UK visa.
A digital immigration status (eVisa), including settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
Failure to comply with the ETA requirement will result in travellers being stopped at check-in, which may lead to:
Missed flights or connections
Financial loss
Disrupted business, study, or family plans
Employers, HR teams, and international travellers should ensure that ETA checks are carried out well in advance of travel.
To avoid disruption: