The United Kingdom introduces Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from February 25

We would like to inform all passengers that when traveling after February 25 on a flight to London with the national carrier, they must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Visitors to the United Kingdom who do not require a visa for short stays (up to six months) and do not have immigration status in the UK will need the new electronic authorization.

From February 25, 2026, passengers who do not have an ETA will not be allowed to board the plane and will therefore not be able to travel legally to the United Kingdom. Arriving passengers who have connecting flights (transit) and pass through UK passport control must also have an ETA. Passengers who are only transferring through Heathrow and Manchester airports and do not pass through UK passport control do not currently need an ETA.

Applying for the electronic document is quick and easy. The ETA costs £16 and allows multiple trips to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time within two years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever comes first.

Visitors to the UK can find more information about applying for an ETA on GOV.UK or download the UK ETA app to apply for the document. Most applications submitted through the UK ETA app are approved within minutes, but travelers should allow three working days to receive a decision.

British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA, including those with dual nationality. The introduction of the ETA is in line with the approach of many other countries on border security. The improvement is part of ensuring a more efficient, digital immigration system that will be faster and more secure for the millions of people who cross the UK border each year.