Published: 18 February 2026

ETA: UK's Permission to Travel Scheme Requirements: What You Need to Know

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Dear Members,

BritishAmerican Business would like to share an important update regarding travel to the United Kingdom that may affect your future business or leisure trips. We have detailed everything you need to know below, but for more information, read the ETA guide on the UK GOV website here: https://www.gov.uk/eta

What's changed?

From 25 February 2026, the UK government will fully enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. This means that travellers who previously entered the UK without a visa must now obtain an ETA before they travel.

What is an ETA and who needs one?

An ETA is advanced digital permission to travel to the UK. It is not entry clearance.  

ETA possession is mandatory for those travelling to the UK for the purpose of short-term visits who are not required to secure, pre-arrival, entry clearance for that purpose.

Full enforcement of the ETA scheme from 25th February 2026 means that travelers who previously entered the UK to visit without needing to apply for a visa must now obtain an ETA before they do so. This includes nationals of European countries, the USA, Australia, and Canada. British or Irish nationals are exempted from the ETA scheme. 

ETA vs Entry Clearance Visa

As noted, ETA is not entry clearance. Possession of an ETA is only required where the purpose of coming to the UK is a short-term visit and the traveller is the national of a country who is not required to apply for an entry clearance visa for that purpose.

Those seeking to travel to the UK for purposes other than short-term visits will not be able to do so with an ETA. Instead, they will have to apply for the relevant entry clearance visa that matches their reason for travel. You can check which one you need on the UK GOV website: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Who doesn't need an ETA?

You do not need an ETA if:

  • You are a British or Irish citizen
  • You have a valid visa for the UK (e.g. permission to live, work or study in the UK)
  • You have EU settled/pre-settled status or any other immigration status such as a BRP/BRC/indefinite leave to remain
  • Are transiting through certain UK airports without passing through UK border control (check with your airline)

See the full list of criteria on the UK GOV website: https://www.gov.uk/eta/when-not-need-eta

Important note for dual citizens

If you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you also exempted from and cannot get an ETA. When you travel to the UK you will however need to prove your exemption from the ETA scheme using:

How to apply for an ETA

You can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply or using the ETA app (search for UK ETA on The App Store or Google Play).

You’ll need:

  • the passport you’ll travel with
  • an email address
  • a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

When you apply, you’ll need to upload or take photos of the face of the person applying.

How long it lasts

An ETA lasts for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want while you have an ETA.

You can check the status of your ETA at https://www.gov.uk/check-eta.

Additional information

  • If you’re traveling as a family or group, each member of your party will need an ETA. You can apply on behalf of others
  • Carriers (airlines, ferries, trains) will check for your ETA before departure, and travellers without one may be refused boarding.
  • An ETA is not a visa: it’s digital travel permission linked to your passport and does not guarantee entry.
  • The standard ETA application fee is £16

More information & resources

With thanks to Shuyeb Muquit of Fragomen for his assistance in reviewing this guidance.