From February 2026, citizens of 85 visa-free countries will need to apply for an ETA to travel to the UK. Find out how to apply, which countries are on the list and what you need to travel safely

The UK has announced an update to its immigration policy: from 25 February 2026, citizens of 85 visa-free countries will have to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before travelling to the country. The list includes the USA, Canada, Japan, France, EU countries and other countries that were previously able to enter without any prior authorisation.

The country will end the transition period that has been in place since the launch of the electronic system in 2023 and will make ETA mandatory for most foreign travellers.

A short guide for travellers in this article.

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Why is the United Kingdom introducing an electronic entry permit?

ETA is a digital permit that replaces part of the visa procedures and allows you to control the flow of visitors before they arrive. The mechanism is similar to the American ESTA or the Canadian eTA.

The system has two key goals:

- Increasing border security - checking data before the trip;

- Simplifying tourist and business travel - instead of a standard visa, a fast electronic permit is issued.

According to the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, the new model provides more effective entry control and helps to let good-faith travelers through faster.

How to apply for an ETA to the United Kingdom?

The permit is issued completely online and takes only a few minutes.

- Where to apply for an ETA to the United Kingdom: through the official UK ETA application (Google Play/App Store) or on the government website.

- The cost of the permit is £16 per person.

- Processing time: usually instant, but it is recommended to apply in advance (in case additional checks are required).

- Once approved: the permit is automatically linked to your passport.

- An ETA allows for multiple short trips during its validity.

Which countries will require an ETA to enter the UK from 2026?

From February 2026, citizens of 85 countries will need an ETA to enter the UK:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, USA, Uruguay, Vatican City.

From 2026, most visa-free countries will only be able to enter the UK with a pre-issued ETA. The process is simple, inexpensive and quick, but ignoring the new rule could result in being denied boarding or being denied entry.

Plan your trip in advance - and Britain will be open to you.

Are you planning a trip abroad and don't want to waste time searching for information on various websites?

The travel guide from Visit World is specially designed to make your trip start easily and confidently.

In it you will find a step-by-step algorithm for submitting documents, photo requirements, rules for filling out the application form and up-to-date information on visa fees and processing times. The guide also contains a complete list of required documents and practical tips that will make your trip easier and more comfortable.

Reminder! Electronic visa authorization ETA/e-Visa is the fastest and most convenient way to cross the Indian border in 2025/2026. We have already talked about all types of e-visas, new categories, list of documents, step-by-step instructions for processing, processing times and important rules for arriving in the country.

Photo - generated by Gemini

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