The United Kingdom has announced that Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will become mandatory for international visitors from 85 visa-exempt countries, marking a major shift in its visa and immigration procedures.
According to a statement issued by the UK Home Office, beginning February 2026, travelers who currently do not require a visa — including nationals from the United States, Canada, and France — must obtain an ETA before their trip.
Without this digital approval, airlines and other carriers will refuse boarding, and passengers will be denied entry upon arrival, according to arynewstv.
The move represents a significant step toward the UK’s transition to a fully digital border system, aimed at enhancing security and enabling future contactless entry.
The Home Office stressed that the new requirement ensures all travelers have verified digital permission —either an ETA or an eVisa — before departure. Carriers will be responsible for checking compliance as part of standard boarding procedures.
Since its initial launch in October 2023, more than 13.3 million travelers have successfully applied for ETAs, benefiting from faster processing and smoother entry at passport control. The system has already become essential for passengers transiting through UK airports.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said the new system enhances security while improving the travel experience:
“ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat and provide a fuller picture of immigration. Digitizing the system ensures a more seamless experience for the millions who visit the UK each year.”
During the initial rollout, authorities adopted a flexible enforcement approach to help travelers adjust — a strategy similar to that used in the United States and Canada for their travel authorization programs.
Applying for an ETA is simple and can be completed using the official UK ETA mobile app for a fee of £16.
Although many applicants receive instant approval, officials recommend applying at least three working days in advance in case additional checks are needed.
