UK Electronic Travel Authorisation to be enforced, visitors to the UK will be unable to travel to the UK without a permission.

From 25th February 2026, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement will be strictly enforced. ETA is a legal requirement, and carriers will not board eligible visitors without one. 

Background

An ETA is required by eligible passengers visiting or transiting landside via the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays and do not have a valid UK immigration status prior to travelling. People whorequire a visa to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA. Those who are exempt from immigration control will not require an ETA.

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple through the UK ETA app,  Applicants must apply for an ETA with the passport they will travel with, as the ETA is digitally linked to that document.

We recommend that travellers apply at least three working days in advance of travel most. ETA applications are processed very rapidly but may take longer on some occasions.

Digital support with applications is available via an ETA webchat . The webchat is operated by UK Government officials Mon- Fri, 9am -5pm (UK time) and via webform outside these hours.

Resources

We have revised our ETA partner pack to reflect this recent update. The pack contains promotional materials including website content, social media assets, help videos and factsheets. Materials are also available in a variety of well-spoken languages.

We would be grateful if you can continue to use the partner packs to raise awareness of the ETA requirement with your customers, clients, members and travellers to the UK to ensure that those eligible are aware of the enforcement of ETAs.

Updated Press Release and Factsheet are available here:

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) press release November 2025

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet November 2025  

Information events

The Home Office, Future Border and Immigration Systems (FBIS) Engagement Team are reinstating our weekly ETA information events. These events will provide a refresher on the ETA requirement while focusing on the implications of ETA enforcement.

If you, your colleagues, or anyone in your business networks would like to attend, please register via one of the following links (UK time):

2nd December 202510:00amETA enforcement information event | 2nd December 10:00am
9th December 202514:00pmETA enforcement information event | 9th December 14:00pm
16th December 20259:00amETA enforcement information event | 16th December 9:00am
6th January 202614:00pmETA enforcement information event | 6th January 14:00pm
13th January 20269:00amETA enforcement information event | 13th January 9:00am
20th January 202615:00pmETA enforcement information event | 20th January 15:00pm
27th January 202610:00amETA enforcement information event | 27th January 10:00am
3rd February 202614:00pmETA enforcement information event | 3rd February 14:00pm
10th February 20269:00amETA enforcement information event | 10th February 9:00am
17th February 202615:00pmETA enforcement information event | 17th February 15:00pm
24th February 202610:00amETA enforcement information event | 24th February 10:00am

If you have any queries, please contact the ETA Engagement Team: etaengagement@homeoffice.gov.uk