UK Enforces Mandatory ETA for Visa-Free Travel

From February 2026, entry without prior approval ends

From 25 February 2026, travellers will no longer be able to legally travel to the United Kingdom without advance digital permission. Visitors from 85 visa-free nationalities, including the United States, Canada and France, will be required to hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation before boarding. The move marks a decisive step in the UK’s transition towards a fully digitised immigration system and lays the groundwork for a contactless border model.

ETA becomes central to UK border control

Under the new enforcement phase, everyone travelling to the UK must hold digital permission through either an ETA or an eVisa. Carriers will be responsible for checking compliance before departure, shifting immigration control upstream in the travel process. The change ensures that eligibility is verified prior to arrival rather than solely at the physical border.

Adoption figures and operational rollout

Since its launch in October 2023, more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully applied for ETA, benefiting from faster and more streamlined border procedures. UK authorities note that ETA is already embedded in everyday travel, including for passengers transiting through UK passport control. February 2026 marks the end of the adjustment period during which enforcement remained flexible.

Government objectives behind the scheme

Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said the ETA system strengthens the UK’s ability to prevent individuals who pose a threat from entering the country, while also providing a clearer overview of immigration patterns. He added that digitisation improves the traveller experience by reducing friction at the border and supporting smoother processing for legitimate visitors.

Application process and cost considerations

Travellers can apply for ETA through the official UK ETA app, with the fee set at £16. Most applications are approved automatically within minutes, although authorities advise allowing up to three working days to accommodate cases requiring additional review. The pricing and structure align closely with comparable authorisation systems used in the United States and Canada.

Exemptions and guidance for dual nationals

British and Irish citizens, including those holding dual nationality, are exempt from the ETA requirement. However, the UK government strongly advises dual British citizens to travel with a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Failure to do so from February 2026 could result in boarding being denied.

Implications for tourism and mobility

The enforcement of ETA comes at a time when the UK tourism sector is under pressure from declining international visitor spending. Authorities argue that the digital authorisation model is designed to enhance security without discouraging travel, positioning the UK as both accessible and controlled in a competitive global tourism environment.

Conclusion

As experts at International Investment report, the mandatory enforcement of ETA from February 2026 fundamentally alters travel planning for the UK, making advance digital clearance a non-negotiable step. For travellers, compliance will be essential to avoid disruption, while for the UK the system represents a strategic shift towards predictive, data-driven border management.