Finance
UK to enforce travel permit requirement on foreign visitors
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 24, 2026
Quick Summary
The UK will enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation from Feb 25, 2026, requiring most visa‑exempt visitors to get pre‑travel approval (£16). Carriers will bar boarding without an ETA, eVisa or equivalent permission.
UK to Enforce Electronic Travel Permits for Visitors from 85 Nations
UK ETA Enforcement and Costs
LONDON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Starting on Wednesday, visitors to Britain from 85 countries must obtain an electronic permit in advance of their trip or they will be barred from travelling, the UK interior ministry said.
Cost of the ETA
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme requires all visitors who do not need a visa to enter Britain to purchase a pre-travel permit online at a cost of 16 pounds ($21.57).
It was introduced in 2023 and extended to European visitors in April last year, but has not been strictly enforced.
Who Must Apply and When
However, from February 25, it will be mandatory for visitors to the UK to have obtained an ETA to travel.
Airline Boarding Rules
This means that airlines will prevent passengers from boarding if they do not have an ETA, eVisa or other valid documentation, the interior ministry said.
Exemptions and Dual Nationals
British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, as well those with the right to live in the UK, are exempt from needing an ETA.
"The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK's border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public," migration minister Mike Tapp said.
EU Entry/Exit System Context
In October last year, the European Union (EU) began rolling-out its much delayed post-Brexit border security checks for UK nationals entering the bloc. Britain formally left the EU in 2020.
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) removes the requirement to manually stamp passports at the EU's external borders and instead creates digital records.
Potential Travel Delays
However, travellers have complained the new system's introduction has caused delays at some airports, and industry leaders have expressed concern that full implementation at Easter could cause widespread disruption.
Exchange Rate Note
($1 = 0.7417 pounds)
(Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Catarina Demony)
Key Takeaways
- •From February 25, 2026, most visa‑exempt travelers must hold an approved ETA before boarding flights, trains or ferries to the UK. (gov.uk)
- •The ETA costs £16, is linked to your passport and decisions usually arrive quickly; allow up to 3 working days. (gov.uk)
- •Carriers will deny boarding to passengers without an ETA, eVisa or other valid permission. (gov.uk)
- •British and Irish citizens, and those with permission to live in the UK, are exempt from needing an ETA. (gov.uk)
- •EU Entry/Exit System rollout has caused delays and may add congestion for UK–EU travel during peak periods. (ft.com)
Frequently Asked Questions about UK to enforce travel permit requirement on foreign visitors
1What is the main topic?
The UK is enforcing its Electronic Travel Authorisation program from February 25, 2026. Most visa‑exempt visitors must secure a £16 ETA before travel or risk being denied boarding. (gov.uk)
2Who is exempt from the UK ETA?
British and Irish citizens are exempt, as are people who hold valid UK visas or permission to live, work or study in the UK. Some specific categories are also exempt under Home Office rules. (gov.uk)
3How do I apply and how long does the ETA last?
Apply online or via the official UK ETA app; most decisions arrive within minutes but allow up to 3 working days. An ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. (gov.uk)
