Published on
January 2, 2026
France joins Poland, Mexico, Iceland, Canada, Switzerland, and seventy-six other nations in facing the UK’s new crackdown on tourists, which introduces an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement along with a sixteen-pound fee. This shift, effective before winter’s end, marks a significant tightening of travel regulations aimed at improving security and managing tourism flows into the UK. With the new system, travelers from these countries will need to secure an ETA before entering, impacting millions of tourists and travelers worldwide.
Starting February 25, 2026, the UK will officially require visa-exempt nationals to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. This new rule, which ends the current grace period, represents a significant tightening of travel regulations. Alongside the introduction of the ETA, travelers will be required to pay a £16 fee for the pre-approval, which is valid for multiple short stays of up to six months. These changes are aimed at enhancing border security while ensuring smoother immigration processes.
This pivotal rule will affect nationals from around 85 countries and territories, including some of the world’s most frequent travelers to the UK. The shift marks the end of an era where certain travelers could simply board flights without the need for such authorizations. With airlines required to verify ETAs before departure, travelers who fail to comply will be denied boarding.
Key Dates and Timeline
The phased rollout of the ETA began in 2023, initially affecting select nationalities, with a broader extension to European nations slated for April 2025. By February 25, 2026, full enforcement will kick in, and no traveler from the eligible countries will be able to board flights to the UK without either an ETA or a valid eVisa. This means that after the cutoff date, travelers will face disruptions if they haven’t arranged their ETA in advance.
The UK government has stated that most ETA applications will be processed in a matter of minutes through the official UK ETA app or website, making the process relatively quick and convenient. However, the mandatory nature of the process and the associated fee are expected to lead to some disruptions, particularly for last-minute travelers.
What is the ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital document linked to a traveler’s passport that grants permission for short-term travel to the UK. The fee for obtaining the ETA is £16, and the authorization is valid for up to two years or until the passport expires. The ETA permits stays of up to six months for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. Importantly, there is no physical document issued; the approval is linked to biometric data and stored electronically.
The ETA serves as an alternative to the traditional visa application process for many nationals, providing a more efficient and streamlined way of managing short-term travel into the UK. This move is part of the UK’s broader efforts to enhance security while simplifying the immigration process for travelers from eligible countries.
Eligibility and Impact on Travelers
The new ETA rule will impact nationals of 85 countries and territories. This includes most EU countries (except Ireland), as well as a host of other nations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and several nations in Latin America and the Middle East. Notably, British and Irish citizens, as well as holders of UK status, are exempt from the requirement. Even children will need their own individual ETA linked to their passports.
The introduction of the ETA may have broad implications for travelers. Some tourists may not be aware of the new rule until they are at the airport, leading to potential disruptions and missed flights. However, travelers can apply for the ETA in advance via the UK ETA app or the official GOV.UK website. The application process involves submitting passport details, a photo, and payment, which should take no longer than three days for processing.
Full List of Eligible Countries and Territories
To clarify which travelers are impacted by this new requirement, here’s a comprehensive list of the eligible countries and territories. If you’re traveling to the UK and your country is on this list, make sure you apply for the ETA well ahead of time:
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
The Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao Special Administrative Region
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Federated States of Micronesia
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
Tonga
Tuvalu
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uruguay
Vatican City
Taiwan (if passport includes Taiwanese ID number)
ETA Application Process
The application process for the ETA is straightforward. Travelers will need to use the UK ETA app or visit the official GOV.UK website. The steps for applying are as follows:
Enter Passport Information: Travelers will need to provide basic passport details.
Submit a Recent Photograph: A recent digital passport-style photo will be required.
Make Payment: The £16 fee must be paid through the secure online system.
Wait for Approval: ETA approval is typically processed within minutes but can take up to three days.
Receive Digital Approval: No physical documents are issued. Approval is sent digitally and linked to the passport via biometric data.
ETA Breakdown: Countries Affected and Associated Fees Revealed
Here’s a quick reference table to show the countries affected and the applicable fee:
CountryETA FeeAndorra£16Argentina£16Australia£16Brazil£16Canada£16France£16Germany£16Japan£16Mexico£16Netherlands£16New Zealand£16United States£16United Arab Emirates£16South Korea£16Switzerland£16Sweden£16United KingdomExemptIrelandExempt
Note: The above table provides an overview of countries eligible for the UK ETA and the fee they will incur upon application.
What Travelers Need to Know
As the ETA rule comes into full effect, here’s what you need to remember:
No Boarding Without ETA: Starting February 25, 2026, you cannot board a flight to the UK without an approved ETA or eVisa.
Multiple Stays: The ETA allows multiple short stays of up to six months, which is ideal for tourists, business travelers, and family visits.
Quick Application Process: Although the application is straightforward, be sure to submit it in advance. Some applications may take longer due to varying passport verification times.
Fee: The £16 fee covers the full two-year validity, making it a relatively affordable and convenient way to travel to the UK for eligible nationals.
Future Considerations and Travel Impact
This new ETA rule marks a significant shift in UK immigration policies. For travelers, it’s essential to prepare well in advance to avoid last-minute issues. Although the system promises quicker processing times, it’s always wise to apply early to ensure smooth travel arrangements.
The new system also marks a shift in UK border security measures, as it aims to ensure that only pre-approved travelers can enter the country. By requiring passengers to secure the ETA before their flights, the UK government aims to streamline the immigration process and ensure that potential risks are screened ahead of time.
This new process will also affect travel patterns, particularly in the short-term for nationals from the affected countries. It may result in fewer last-minute travel decisions or changes, as people will need to factor in the time needed to secure their ETA before booking flights.
The UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system represents a significant change in the way nationals of 85 countries can enter the country. With a £16 fee and the requirement for pre-approval before boarding, travelers will need to plan ahead to avoid disruptions. This rule ensures that the UK maintains a high level of border security while offering a streamlined process for short-term stays.
France joins Poland, Mexico, Iceland, Canada, Switzerland, and seventy-six other nations as the UK introduces a new ETA requirement with a sixteen-pound fee. This move is part of the UK’s effort to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures for international tourists.
As the deadline for full enforcement approaches, travelers are advised to ensure they apply for their ETA well in advance to avoid complications.
