UK Enforces Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization for Visa-Free Travelers
As of February 25, 2026, all visa-free travelers planning to enter the United Kingdom are required to possess an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before boarding any planes, ferries, or trains bound for the UK. The £16 digital permit is now fully enforced by carriers, signifying a substantial shift in UK border policy.
The ETA requirement is applicable to travelers from numerous countries who previously had the privilege of entering the UK without any prior authorization. Notably, airlines such as Virgin Atlantic are denying boarding to passengers whose passports are not linked to a valid ETA. While most applications are approved within minutes, travelers are strongly advised to apply at least three working days before their departure.
The authorization permits multiple visits of up to six months over a two-year period. Unlike the EU’s impending ETIAS system, the UK ETA is already live and fully operational. The Home Office portrays it as the initial step towards a “contactless border,” with plans to eventually integrate it with the UK’s eVisa platform and biometric entry corridors.
Corporate travel managers are now tasked with incorporating ETA checks into approval workflows, as last-minute business trips now carry new compliance risks. Since its phased launch in 2023, the system has generated over £383 million in revenue, with funds being reinvested in border technology.
Source: VisaHQ