A New Rule for Travelling to the UK: What Changes in February 2026?

From February 2026, travelling to the United Kingdom will involve a new legal requirement for many visitors. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will become mandatory for people who previously entered the UK without a visa.

Although ETA is not a visa, it will be required before travelling to the UK for short stays, including tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit. Travellers who do not hold a valid ETA may be refused boarding by airlines.

ETA is a digital travel authorisation linked electronically to a passport. It must be obtained online in advance and involves providing basic personal and passport details, answering security questions and paying a small fee, currently expected to be around £10.

From February 2026, most visitors who do not already hold a UK visa or immigration status will need an ETA to travel to the UK. British and Irish citizens are not affected by this change.

An approved ETA is usually valid for two years, or until the passport expires, and allows multiple trips to the UK. However, it does not guarantee entry. Border officials retain the discretion to refuse entry where concerns arise.

Importantly, ETA does not allow work, long-term residence or access to public funds. Using an ETA for activities that are not permitted under immigration rules may lead to serious consequences, including future refusals.

As this new requirement comes into force in February 2026, travellers should ensure they understand whether ETA applies to them and factor it into their travel plans. A small administrative step, if overlooked, can result in significant disruption.

If you are unsure how ETA applies to your circumstances, seeking advice in advance can help avoid unnecessary difficulties.