New UK Entry Requirements for European Travellers
The British government has issued a significant warning to overseas visitors: the majority of travellers must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving in the United Kingdom. While authorities have shown leniency during the initial rollout period, this grace period will end completely within three months, marking a substantial shift in UK border policy.
Mike Tapp, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, explained the government's approach: "While ETA was being rolled out, it was not strictly enforced, to give visitors ample time to adjust to the new requirement. This is the same approach other countries such as the United States and Canada took for their travel schemes."
Who Needs the ETA and How to Apply
According to the Home Office, from 25 February 2026, visitors from 85 nationalities including the United States, Canada, and France who don't require a visa will be unable to travel legally to the UK without an ETA. Transport carriers will be responsible for checking passengers' ETA status before allowing them to board flights or ferries to Britain.
The government states that everyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need advance permission through either an Electronic Travel Authorisation or an eVisa. While most leisure and business travellers don't need a full visa, almost all overseas visitors now require an ETA. The exceptions include Irish citizens, holders of eVisas, and people with permission to live, work or study in the UK.
Applications can be made through two official channels: via the "UK eta" mobile app available on Apple App Store and Google Play, or through the official government website. Applicants must supply a photograph and answer questions about their suitability and criminal history. The ETA costs £16 and is valid for repeated stays of up to six months at a time within two years or until the passport expires.
Application Process and Cost Comparison
The Home Office indicates that decisions usually come within three working days, though most applicants receive approval within minutes. Surprisingly, travellers can begin their journey to the UK while waiting for an ETA decision, providing crucial flexibility for those who forget to apply in advance.
If an application is declined due to errors, applicants can reapply. However, if refused on suitability grounds, there's no appeal process. Those with criminal records or previous UK entry refusals should consider applying for a standard visitor visa instead.
The £16 fee positions the UK's ETA in the mid-range compared to similar international schemes. Australia offers free eVisitor permits, while Canada's eTA costs approximately £4. Europe's delayed Etias scheme is set at €20 (£17), New Zealand's NZeTA costs NZ$17 (£8) plus an additional visitor levy, and the US Esta costs $40 (£30).
Warning about unofficial sites: Commercial websites have already emerged, charging up to $99.99 (£78) on top of the official fee. Travellers should use only the official government channels to avoid these excessive charges.
The Home Office describes the ETA as part of creating "a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year." Ministers assert that the worldwide rollout will "prevent abuse of our immigration system," though they've removed the requirement for airside transit passengers to obtain an ETA following pressure from London Heathrow airport.
