From 25 February 2026, everyone travelling to the UK now needs permission to travel, unless they are a British or Irish citizen or are otherwise exempt. Wherever possible, this permission is digitally linked to the passport being used for the journey.

The UK has moved to a modernised digital permission system, where international carriers are required to verify that passengers have valid permission or status to travel. All carriers are now equipped with the tools to verify this digitally before boarding, without valid permission, travel to the UK will be denied.

This update covers what's changed, who it affects, and what you should be doing now, particularly those working with international visitors, group travel, schools, or trade partners.

What's changed

Visitors from non-visa countries (short stays of up to six months) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). An ETA is valid for up to two years and covers tourism, family visits and other approved short-stay reasons. Since launch in October 2023, more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully applied for an ETA.

Visitors from visa-required countries receive an eVisa instead — a digital record of permission to enter the UK. Anyone who made a successful visit visa application (or certain other visa types) on or after 25 February 2026 will not receive a physical visa sticker, as the system has moved to digital-only status.

Both ETAs and eVisas are accessed through a personal UKVI account, and this is what carriers check before allowing boarding.

Dual British citizens must travel using a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement. Travelling on a non-British passport without this may result in being denied boarding, even where the other nationality would normally qualify for an ETA. UK passports can be renewed via GOV.UK.

Read the latest updates on the UK's move to a digital immigration system on GOV.UK

ETA applies to

You do not need an ETA if you are transiting through a UK airport and will not pass through border control - check with the airline if you are not sure.

Background

  • Each year, the UK welcomes millions of visitors from around the world. From holidays to short-term study or business trips, the UK is a dynamic, diverse, and exciting destination.
  • The UK Government is delivering a more streamlined, digital immigration system, which is quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year.
  • ETAs have been introduced worldwide for visitors who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status, an ETA is a digital permission to travel.
  • From 25 February 2026, this digital permission requirement applies to everyone travelling to the UK, unless they are a British or Irish citizen or otherwise exempt.
  • An ETA costs £20 (as from 8 April 2026) and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time, over two years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner.
  • The introduction of ETAs and eVisas is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia.

Eligibility

  • All visitors, including children, who do not need a visa for short stays or who do not have any other UK immigration status, will need an ETA to travel to the UK.
  • An ETA is not a visa, it does not permit entry into the UK, it authorises an individual to travel to the UK.
  • British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
  • Dual British citizens must travel on a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement.

Applying for an ETA or eVisa

  • Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply is available on GOV.UK.
  • The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the 'UK ETA app' (Google Play or Apple App Store). People can apply on GOV.UK if they don't have a smartphone.
  • Applicants usually get a decision within three working days, sometimes faster via the app.
  • To apply, applicants need to:
    • Pay a fee
    • Provide contact and passport details
    • Provide a valid photo, complying with GOV.UK's rules for digital photos
    • Answer a set of questions
  • Visitors must travel using the same passport used in the application - passenger details must match exactly, including names and document numbers linked to the ETA/eVisa.
  • An ETA costs £20. As with all Government fees, the cost is kept under review.

What this means for youth and education travel

This is particularly relevant for members hosting school groups, fam trips or education-sector visitors:

  • ETA/eVisa requirements now apply to most group travel to the UK. Build digital permission checks into booking and pre-departure timelines.
  • Under-18s are not exempt in most markets. The only current exemption is for French school groups; arrangements for Germany are not yet live. All other youth groups need individual ETAs/eVisas where applicable.
  • Dual British citizens travelling with a group still need a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement, even if their other nationality would normally qualify for an ETA.
  • Passenger details must match exactly with the passport used for travel.
  • Carriers will refuse boarding if digital permission can't be verified at check-in.

Exemptions for school groups depend on bilateral agreements and may change. Always check the latest GOV.UK guidance before confirming travel arrangements.

Actions you can do now

  • Update booking terms and pre-departure information to reflect mandatory ETA/eVisa requirements.
  • Brief overseas agents, schools and host families on the need for digital permission before travel.
  • Add ETA/eVisa status to group checklists alongside passports, insurance and parental consent.
  • Review communications for dual nationals, highlighting the need to travel on a British passport where applicable.
  • Confirm your data processes ensure names and passport details match exactly with applications.
  • Allow extra lead time for peak periods and large groups to secure permissions.

Frequently asked questions

How do people know if they need a visa instead of an ETA? Stays of longer than six months, or some shorter stays for purposes other than visit, transit or certain business visits, need a visa. Use the visa checking tool on GOV.UK.

What happens if someone is not able to obtain an ETA? If an applicant’s ETA application is rejected, they will be told the reason and can apply again. If an applicant’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission to come to the UK.

Do I need an ETA if I'm just transiting? Not if you're transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control. Check with your airline if unsure.

Find out more about ETAs and eVisas on GOV.UK

This page will be updated as further bilateral arrangements and Government guidance are confirmed. For the latest official information, always refer to GOV.UK.