Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
From 25 February 2026, the UK will move to a fully digital travel and immigration system. Eligible nationals visiting the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel, unless they already hold UK immigration permission. Visitors without an ETA will be denied boarding by airlines and other carriers.
The ETA is a quick online application that allows travel to the UK for short stays (up to 6 months). The cost is around £20, and it should come through in less than 3 days.
Further information on who needs and ETA, how to apply, and other details can be found here: www.gov.uk/ETA
ETA does not replace the Standard Visitor visa
It is important to note that:
- The Standard Visitor visa will continue to exist.
- The ETA runs alongside the visitor visa system.
- People who already need a visitor visa to visit the UK must continue to apply for a visitor visa in the normal way.
- People who do not normally need a visitor visa (e.g., EU/EEA, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) will now need an ETA.
Other digital changes to be aware of:
- Some visitors who previously received physical visa stickers will instead receive an eVisa, and must have a UKVI online account linked to their passport before travelling.
- People who are exempt from immigration control will receive a Digital Record of Exemption instead of a physical vignette. i.e diplomats, individuals holding status under EUSS
Please reach out if you have any questions