NEWS UPDATE: UK TO DENY ENTRY TO ELIGIBLE VISITORS WITHOUT ETA FROM FEBRUARY 25

UK TO DENY ENTRY TO ELIGIBLE VISITORS WITHOUT ETA FROM FEBRUARY 25


The United Kingdom has announced that it will begin full enforcement of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers from February 25, 2026.

UK authorities have warned that eligible visitors who fail to secure an ETA before travelling risk being denied boarding on flights, trains, or ferries bound for the country.

The warning was issued by UK Visas and Immigration, an agency under the Home Office, which stated that the new rule will be strictly enforced by transport operators.

“From 25 February 2026, eligible visitors to the UK cannot legally travel without an Electronic Travel Authorisation,” the Home Office said.

Prospective travellers were advised to apply through the official GOV.UK platform or the UK ETA mobile application ahead of their journey.

The ETA scheme is part of the UK government’s broader digital immigration reform aimed at enhancing border security while streamlining entry processes for short-term visitors.

Under the policy, nationals of about 85 visa-exempt countries are required to obtain pre-travel authorisation before entering the UK for tourism, business, or short-term study of up to six months. These include citizens of the United States, Canada, France, and several other European countries.

The ETA requirement does not apply to Nigerians, as Nigerian passport holders are already required to obtain a visa before travelling to the UK.

From February 25, transport operators will be legally obligated to confirm that travellers possess a valid ETA before allowing them to board, replacing the current discretionary checks.

Who Is Exempt

British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from the ETA requirement. However, authorities advise such travellers to carry proof of citizenship, such as a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, to avoid delays.

Individuals with existing UK residency permission or an approved eVisa are also exempt.

Cost and Validity

An ETA application currently costs £16 and is valid for multiple entries over a two-year period or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. The UK government has indicated that the fee may increase to £20 in the future.

How to Apply

Applications can be completed online via the official GOV.UK website or through the UK ETA mobile app. Applicants are required to submit passport details, contact information, and responses to security-related questions.

While most applications are processed within minutes, travellers are advised to apply at least three days before departure to avoid last-minute complications.

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