"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 UK will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or eVisa from 25 February 2026; carriers will refuse boarding and border officials will deny entry to travellers without digital permission. The ETA, introduced in 2023 and made compulsory by April 2025 except for UK and Irish passport holders, serves as a visa waiver that ends paperwork-free short stays for nationals from visa-exempt countries including the US, Canada, Australia and EU/EEA. Travellers holding a British long-stay visa or residency status may present those at the border instead. Applicants must apply online in advance; the ETA costs £16 per person, including children.
Read at The Local France
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