United Kingdom to Enforce ETA Scheme in February 2026

Key Point  

• Beginning 25 February 2026, the UK will enforce its ETA scheme, requiring visa‑exempt travelers to obtain digital authorization before boarding flights 

ETA Scheme Rollout  

The United Kingdom (UK) announced that, starting 25 February 2026, travelers from 85 visa-exempt countries will be required to hold an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before boarding flights to the UK. Carriers will deny boarding to passengers who do not hold an ETA or eVisa. 

British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, remain exempt from the requirement. The ETA scheme, first introduced in 2023, supports the UK’s broader plan. That plan aims to create a fully digitized, contactless border system.

Travelers apply for an ETA through the official UK ETA app. The UK charges £16 for the application, and the system issues most approvals automatically within minutes, though applicants should allow up to three working days for processing.

Key details include: 

• Effective date: 25 February 2026 
• Who needs ETA: Nationals of 85 visa‑exempt countries (including the US, Canada, France) 
• Exemptions: British and Irish citizens 
• Application process: Apply via UK ETA app; £16 fee; approval usually within minutes 

Authorities emphasized that the ETA system strengthens border security by allowing officials to block individuals who pose a threat before they travel. Since its launch, more than 13 million visitors have already applied for ETAs. 

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