UK visitors without ETA face denied boarding from February 25

Starting February 25, 2026, visitors to the UK who do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months—or who do not already hold UK immigration status—will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the country.

Without an ETA, travellers will be denied boarding and cannot legally travel to the UK, reads a factsheet that was posted to the UK government’s website this month.

The requirement also applies to travellers transiting through the UK who pass through passport control.

However, those transiting via Heathrow or Manchester airports without going through UK passport control are currently exempt from the ETA requirement.

The new system aims to streamline entry processes and improve border security while giving visitors a clear guideline for travel preparation.

The UK government notes that the ETA is a digital permission to travel – not a visa or a tax – and does not permit entry into the UK. Instead, it authorizes a person to travel to the UK.

To be clear: the ETA requirement has been active since early 2025. However, following a grace period of non-enforcement, it will now be strictly enforced from February 25.

How to apply

How do you apply for an ETA? Most applicants get an automatic decision “in minutes” when applying through the UK ETA app, the government says.

The app can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store, but people can also apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.

It is recommended that travellers apply for an ETA at least three working days in advance of travel. “This is to take account of the small number of cases which may need further review,” the government says.

Those applying for an ETA, which was first announced in March 2023, will be asked to provide their biographic, biometric and contact details, and answer a short set of questions on suitability and criminality.

The ETA currently costs £16 (almost $30 CAD), although the government intends on increasing the cost to £20 in the future.

Visitors can find more information about applying for an ETA on GOV.UK

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