UK Requires ETA for Visa-Exempt Visitors from Feb 2026

Starting February 25, 2026, international visitors from 85 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, and France, will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or eVisa before entering the United Kingdom, according to government announcements. Airlines and other carriers will verify the digital permission prior to boarding, marking the full enforcement of a system introduced in October 2023 to modernize border controls.

The requirement applies to all travelers seeking short stays of up to six months who previously did not need advance clearance. Those already requiring visas, such as visitors from India, remain unaffected by this specific change. British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from the ETA process. However, officials advise dual British citizens to carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to prevent boarding denials when traveling to the UK from the enforcement date onward.

Since its launch, the ETA scheme has processed more than 13.3 million successful applications, becoming an integral part of international travel. It now covers not only direct arrivals but also passengers on connecting...