Travellers from 85 countries, including major partners such as the United States, Canada and France, will be barred from entering the UK without advance
digital permission from early 2026, the government announced on Monday.
Starting 25 February 2026, all non-visa nationals must hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding a flight to the UK. The measure marks a major milestone in the Home Office’s multi-year effort to digitise the country’s border system and move toward fully contactless entry checks.
Under the new rules, carriers will be responsible for verifying that passengers hold either an ETA or an eVisa before departure. British and Irish citizens — including dual nationals — will remain exempt, though the government warns dual British citizens to travel with a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid being refused boarding.
Since the scheme’s phased rollout began in October 2023, the government says more than 13.3 million travellers have successfully applied for an ETA, reporting faster and smoother entry through UK border controls. During the transition period, enforcement has been relaxed to allow travellers time to adapt — a strategy similar to the early adoption of US and Canadian travel authorisation systems.
Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said the shift to mandatory digital permission strengthens national security while improving the travel experience.
“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.
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 ETA application, which costs £16, can be completed via the official UK ETA app. Most applications are approved automatically within minutes, though officials advise submitting requests at least three working days before travel to allow for occasional extended checks.
The full enforcement of ETAs in 2026 is expected to be a key component of the UK’s future border strategy, ultimately enabling a more streamlined, contactless arrival process for millions of visitors. Photo by dannyman, Wikimedia commons.