UK mandates Electronic Travel Authorisation for short-stay visitors from 85 countries
Change
The UK made Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) mandatory from 25 February 2026 for nationals of 85 visa‑exempt countries and will bar boarding of eligible travellers who lack an ETA.
Why it matters
Carriers must perform pre-travel identity and authorisation checks, and some applications that require extra review can take up to three working days to clear. ETA approvals currently cost £16 and last for two years or until passport expiry; an application fee increase has been announced for a future date. Passengers transiting through UK airports who pass through UK passport control are subject to the same pre-clearance requirements; dual British and Irish citizens without a current British or Irish passport face additional documentation rules, including a certificate of entitlement option costing £589.
Implications
- • Airline carriers' check-in and compliance teams must verify an Electronic Travel Authorisation or an electronic visa (eVisa) for eligible passengers before allowing travel or they will be unable to permit those passengers to travel to the UK.
- • International travellers from the 85 listed visa‑exempt countries must obtain an ETA before departure or they will be refused travel.
Unlock the decision layer.
Go beyond headlines — see impact, exposure, and timing.
- Implications: What actually changes downstream.
- Who is affected: Which teams or operators are exposed.
- What to watch: Deadlines, triggers, and next moves.
- Real-time alerts: Know the moment a change is published.
- Ask AI: Clarify any brief instantly, in context.
14-day free trial. Full access. No credit card required.
Start free trial
Source
Topics