Overview
- From 25 February 2026, airlines and Eurostar refuse boarding to passengers without a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation.
- The requirement covers nationals of 85 visa‑free countries, including the EU, the US and Canada, with UK and Irish citizens exempt.
- The ETA costs £16 (about €19), is valid for two years, permits multiple entries and stays up to six months, and most applications are decided within minutes.
- Transit passengers may also need an ETA if they leave the sterile area or pass UK border control, so authorities advise checking itinerary specifics in advance.
- Starting 26 February, authorisations are issued digitally via the official app and tied to the passport; the government cites 19 million applications and £383 million reinvested to bolster border security and warns against costly third‑party sites.