Traveling to the U.K.? Here’s what you need to know before you go!
As of February 25, 2026, the U.K. started enforcing the need for Electronic Travel Authorisation
According to one of our favorite sources – Travel + Leisure – the United Kingdom first rolled out the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) program in 2025, but began strictly enforcing it on February 25, 2026. The ETA requires airlines to deny non-visa national passengers to board (yes, even in the United States) who don’t have a valid eVisa or ETA.
How to get an ETA
- At least three days prior to flying to the U.K., travelers can apply online and pay the Euro equivalent of $21.57.
- There’s a mobile app available through Apple and Google Play, the U.K. government website
- Applicants will be required to upload a scan or photo of their passport, a photo of themselves and other information during the application process
The rest of the European Union will implement it’s own European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in late 2026, so be on the lookout for those requirements if you’re traveling to Europe.
The U.S. has their own version of this system as well, called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ETSA) for travelers from certain countries.
