Beginning in February 2026, the UK will mandate ETA for 85 countries.

Beginning in February 2026, the UK will mandate ETA for 85 countries.

Visitors from 85 visa-exempt nations, such as the US, Canada, and Japan, will need to have an ETA before entering the UK as of February 25, 2026. The method seeks to streamline entrance and improve border security.

Travelers from up to 85 nations, including the US, Canada, Japan, and France, will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK as of February 25, 2026.

The ETA will become completely required for all visa-exempt travelers, the UK government revealed today in an official press statement.

Since its launch in 2023, the UK ETA has been in a transitional period, giving travelers considerable leeway. But that grace time expires in early 2026, and the ETA becomes required.
Prior to boarding, airlines and travel agencies will also need to confirm that passengers have legitimate ETAs.

As of February 25, 2026, visitors from up to 85 countries—including the US, Canada, Japan, and France—must receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in order to enter the UK.

The UK government announced today in an official press release that all visa-exempt passengers would now need to provide the ETA.

The UK ETA has been in a transitional phase since its debut in 2023, allowing travelers a lot of flexibility. However, the ETA becomes necessary after that grace period ends in early 2026.

Prior to boarding, airlines and travel agents will also need to validate that passengers have authentic ETAs.

How to Submit an ETA Application
Travelers can apply online or via the official "UK ETA" mobile app, which is compatible with iOS and Android. Each person must pay £16.

The government recommends submitting at least three days before travel in case additional checks are needed, but most applications are approved in a matter of minutes. The ETA is electronically connected to the traveler's passport after it has been granted.

Countries Needing the 2026 ETA
Travelers from the following 85 nations and territories will require an ETA before to visiting the UK as of February 2026:

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

Things Travelers Need to Know

Date of implementation: February 25, 2026
Each application costs £16.
Validity: Valid for several brief visits, linked to passport
Processing time: Usually minutes, but give yourself up to three days.
Where to apply: the UK ETA app or website

Concluding Remarks
Travelers who were previously able to enter the UK without a visa will have to prepare ahead of time and apply for an ETA before departing in 2026. It's a simple online process, but if you skip it, you might not be allowed to board or enter.