UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Enforcement to Begin for Visa-Free Visitors in February 2026
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) enforcement will formally take effect from 25 February 2026, requiring most visa-free visitors to obtain advance digital permission before travelling to the United Kingdom, according to an official government announcement.
From that date, travellers from 85 nationalities that currently do not require a visa, including citizens of the United States, Canada, and France, will no longer be able to legally travel to the UK without an approved ETA. The move marks a major milestone in the UK government’s plan to fully digitise border controls.
What has changed
The key change is the full enforcement of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). While the ETA scheme has been in place since October 2023, it was previously introduced with a phased and non-strict enforcement approach. From February 2026, airlines and other carriers will be required to verify that travellers hold either an ETA or another form of digital immigration permission, such as an eVisa, before allowing them to board.
This means that advance digital authorisation will become mandatory for nearly all non-visa visitors entering the UK, including those transiting through UK border control during connecting journeys.
Background and policy context
The ETA system forms part of the UK government’s broader strategy to modernise immigration controls and move toward a contactless border model. Under this approach, all individuals seeking entry clearance to the UK are expected to hold digital permission linked to their travel document.
Since its launch in October 2023, more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully obtained an ETA, with officials stating that the system has contributed to faster processing and smoother arrivals at UK borders.
The government has noted that the gradual rollout mirrors similar travel authorisation systems used in countries such as the United States and Canada.
Who is affected
The enforcement of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will affect:
- Visitors from visa-free countries, including the US, Canada, France, and other European and non-European states
- Short-term travellers entering the UK for tourism, business, or transit purposes
- Passengers whose journeys involve passing through UK passport control, including some connecting flights
British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from the ETA requirement. However, officials have highlighted that dual British citizens will need to travel with valid British documentation to demonstrate their status once enforcement begins.
Official government statement
According to the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, the ETA system strengthens border security while improving the travel experience. Officials stated that digitised travel permission allows authorities to identify potential risks earlier and provides a clearer picture of migration flows into the country.
The government has also emphasised that carriers will play a central role in enforcement by checking digital permission before travel.
Official source reference
The policy has been outlined by the UK Home Office as part of its ongoing immigration system reform programme, with public statements issued by the Department for Migration and Citizenship and published government guidance on electronic travel authorisation.
Update note
Updated on 27 January 2026 to reflect official UK government guidance confirming the enforcement date of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visa-free visitors.