UK to Launch ETA Scheme as Part of No Permission No Travel System

Starting 25 February 2026, travellers from 85 countries, including the United States, Canada, and France, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the United Kingdom. This new requirement applies to individuals who currently do not need a visa to visit the UK.

The move marks a major step in the UK’s shift toward a fully digital border system. Under the new policy, all travellers must secure digital clearance through either an ETA or an eVisa before boarding. Airlines and transport carriers will be required to verify passengers’ authorization status prior to departure.

The UK’s ETA system was first launched in October 2023 as part of a broader plan to modernize immigration controls. Since then, over 13.3 million travellers have used the system, with many benefiting from quicker processing and fewer delays at passport control. The ETA is also mandatory for transit passengers if they pass through UK border checks.

Minister of Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp described the upcoming enforcement as a necessary upgrade to national security and border efficiency. He stated that digital travel permissions allow authorities to better identify and block potential threats before arrival. He also emphasized the benefits for legitimate travellers by noting that entry points now offer a smoother and more streamlined experience.

Applications for ETA can be completed entirely online. The process is straightforward and typically completed within minutes. However, UK authorities recommend applying at least three working days in advance in case further review is needed.

The two-year validity of the ETA is limited by the passport’s expiration date. If the passport expires first, the ETA becomes invalid.

British and Irish citizens are not subject to the new update. Dual nationals, however, are being reminded to travel on a valid British passport or present a certificate of entitlement. Failure to do so may result in denied boarding or entry from February 2026 onward.

The Home Office said this enforcement milestone is a key step toward creating a more secure, digital-first border strategy that aims to balance national safety with improved traveller experience.