Overview
- From 25 February 2026, airlines must verify an approved ETA or eVisa before departure and will deny boarding to eligible visa‑free travelers who lack one.
- Visitors from 85 visa‑waiver countries — including the United States, Canada and France — will need an ETA for stays of up to six months.
- Passengers transiting without passing UK border control do not need an ETA, but those who go through passport control do.
- Applications are made via the official website or UK ETA app, cost £16, usually return an automatic decision within minutes, and are valid for two years or until passport expiry.
- British and Irish citizens are exempt, and current visa holders or residents should access eVisas and ensure their travel passport is correctly linked; authorities report 13.3 million ETA approvals since October 2023.