The UK Government has officially enforced new rules requiring non-visa nationals to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the United Kingdom.
From 25 February, it is now mandatory for eligible visitors to secure digital permission to travel prior to departure. Airlines and other carriers are required to refuse boarding to passengers who do not hold a valid ETA, eVisa, or other appropriate documentation.
Nationals of 85 countries – including the United States, Canada, and France – are now legally required to obtain an ETA before entering the UK. The ETA costs £16, permits multiple journeys, and remains valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
The cost of the UK ETA has been positioned as competitive and broadly aligned with similar international systems. For comparison, the United States operates the ESTA scheme, which costs $40, while the European Union’s forthcoming ETIAS system is expected to cost €20 once implemented.
British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from the ETA requirement. However, they must present a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK. This mirrors the approach taken by countries such as the US, Australia and Canada. At their discretion, carriers may accept certain expired British passports as alternative evidence of nationality.
From 26 February, Certificates of Entitlement will be issued in digital format. Under the new system, a certificate will only need to be applied for once, rather than expiring when the passport expires.
According to Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp, the ETA scheme forms a key part of efforts to strengthen border security while delivering a more modern and efficient service for both visitors and the British public. He urged travellers to ensure they have the correct permission before travelling to avoid disruption.
ETAs are also mandatory for travellers transiting through the UK where they pass through passport control.
Since its introduction in October 2023, more than 19 million visitors have successfully applied for an ETA. As of January 2026, the scheme has generated over £383 million in revenue, which is being reinvested into improving the UK’s border and immigration system.
The enforcement of the ETA requirement marks another step in the UK’s transition toward a fully digital immigration system and supports the long-term goal of creating a contactless border. The system is also designed to strengthen security by identifying individuals who may pose a risk before they travel.
The UK has been phasing out physical immigration documents in recent years as part of its move to eVisas, with more than 10 million issued to date. eVisa holders – including individuals granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme – must ensure their UK Visas and Immigration account is updated with their latest passport details to avoid travel disruption.
Applying for an ETA through the official UK ETA app is described as a quick and straightforward process. Most applicants currently receive an automated decision within minutes, allowing for spontaneous travel. However, travellers are advised to apply at least three working days before departure to allow time for processing in cases that require additional review.
Applicants must provide biometric and biographic information and answer suitability and criminality questions. Once approved, the ETA is digitally linked to the traveller’s passport.
LawSentis note:
At Lawsentis, we strongly recommend that travellers check their eligibility and ensure all passport and UKVI account details are accurate well before departure. With boarding now strictly linked to digital status verification, even small administrative errors can result in refused travel. As the UK continues to digitise its border system, early preparation and professional guidance are increasingly important to avoid disruption.