"The UK first introduced its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in 2023, gradually rolling it out so that by April 2025 it was compulsory for anyone entering the UK - with the exception of those travelling on a UK or Irish passport. But although the scheme has been in place for almost nine months now, people who have not had the required authorisation have mostly not actually been prevented from entering the country. This phase is due to end on February 25th, 2026."
"From February 2026, visitors will not be able to travel to the UK without advance permission. This is a significant step towards digitising the immigration system and paves the way for a contactless UK border in the future. Enforcing will mean that everyone who wants to come to the UK must have digital permission through either an ETA or an eVisa. Carriers will be checking people before they travel."
"The Electronic Travel Authorisation is, technically, not a visa, rather it is a visa waiver. However its introduction ends paperwork-free travel to the UK for people from countries where a visa is not required for a short stay - including Americans, Canadian, Australians and citizens of all EU/EEA countries. Only people who are travelling on a valid UK or Irish passport are exempt from the new requirement. People who have a British long-stay visa or residency status should show that at the border instead."
The UK introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in 2023 and made it compulsory for most visitors by April 2025, excluding travellers on UK or Irish passports. Enforcement has been limited so far, but the current grace phase ends on February 25, 2026. From that date, travellers who require an ETA and do not have one will be refused entry or denied boarding. The ETA is a visa waiver, not a visa, and replaces paperwork-free short-stay travel for nationals of visa-exempt countries including the US, Canada, Australia and EU/EEA states. Applicants must obtain an online ETA costing £16 per person, including children. Holders of British long-stay visas or residency should present those documents at the border.
Read at www.thelocal.com
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