- The United Kingdom set to fully enforce Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-free travellers from February 25, 2026
- Passengers without an ETA risk being denied boarding by airlines, trains or ferries
- The scheme affects residents of about 85 countries, including the US and Canada
The United Kingdom has announced it will fully enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt visitors from February 25, 2026.
With a little over two weeks to the start date, UK officials have warned that travellers who are required to obtain an ETA but fail to do so before departure could be refused boarding on flights, trains or ferries to the UK.
The caution was issued in a post on X by UK Visas and Immigration, an agency under the Home Office.
“From 25 February 2026, eligible visitors to the UK can’t legally travel without an Electronic Travel Authorisation,” the Home Office said.
Prospective travellers were directed to the official GOV.UK website and encouraged to apply either through the UK ETA mobile app or the online portal.
The ETA programme is part of the UK’s broader digital immigration reforms, designed to enhance border security while making short-term travel procedures more efficient.
Under the scheme, nationals of around 85 countries that normally do not require a visa for brief stays must secure approval before travelling. These include citizens of the United States, Canada, France and several other European nations.
Nigerians are not covered by the ETA system, as they already need a visa to enter the UK.
From February 25, transport operators will be legally obligated to verify that passengers hold a valid ETA before boarding, replacing the current discretionary checks.
Photo credit: X/ukingiji
Who can apply
The authorisation is required for non-visa nationals visiting the UK for tourism, business or short-term study lasting up to six months.
British and Irish citizens, including those with dual nationality, are exempt. Authorities, however, advise them to carry proof of citizenship, such as a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, to prevent possible delays.
People who already have UK residency permission or an eVisa are also excluded from the requirement.
Fees and validity
An ETA currently costs £16 and allows multiple entries for up to two years, or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
The UK government has said the fee could increase to £20 in the future.
Application process
- Travellers can apply through the GOV.UK website or the official UK ETA app.
- Applicants must submit passport details, contact information and responses to security-related questions.
Although most applications are approved within minutes, officials recommend applying at least three days before travel to avoid last-minute issues.
Ghana approves visa-free entry for all African nationals
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had approved a groundbreaking policy granting visa-free entry for all African nationals, which would take effect before the end of his term on January 6, 2025.
The policy supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by enhancing the movement of people, goods, and services.