REGULATORY · MARKET STRUCTURE · UK
UK border entry: ETA travel permit becomes mandatory for visa-free visitors
Change
The UK will make its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) mandatory from 25 Feb 2026 for nationals of 85 visa-free countries, including EU, US and Canada, with limited transit exceptions.
Why it matters
From 25 Feb 2026, the UK will require an ETA for short-stay visitors who previously could travel without a visa, covering nationals from 85 countries (including the EU, US and Canada). The ETA is a digital travel permit (not a visa) for visits of up to six months for tourism or family visits. The requirement also applies to connecting passengers who pass through UK passport control; passengers transiting via Heathrow or Manchester without passing UK passport control are stated as not currently needing an ETA. The government has issued 13.3 million ETAs since the phased rollout began in Oct 2023 and has not enforced the requirement to date, but enforcement becomes mandatory on 25 Feb 2026.
Implications
- • Boarding/entry for many UK visitors becomes contingent on pre-issued ETA from 25 Feb 2026
- • Airlines and travel sellers face added document-check requirements for UK-bound itineraries
- • Some connecting passengers transiting through UK passport control become in-scope for ETA
- • Heathrow/Manchester airside transits avoiding passport control remain exempt (as stated)
Who is affected
- • Nationals of the 85 visa-free countries traveling to the UK for short stays
- • Airlines and airport ground-handling/document-check teams for UK-bound passengers
- • Online travel agencies and tour operators selling UK itineraries
- • Connecting passengers whose itineraries require passing UK passport control
Source
Topics
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