From Wednesday, visitors to the UK from 85 countries must secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travel, according to the UK interior ministry. The ETA, which costs £16 ($21.57), is necessary for travelers who do not require a visa. This requirement, introduced in 2023 and extended to European visitors in April last year, will be strictly enforced from February 25. Airlines will bar passengers from boarding flights to the UK without an ETA, eVisa, or other valid documentation. British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens and those with the right to live in the UK, are exempt.
“The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public,” said Migration Minister Mike Tapp.
In October, the European Union began implementing post-Brexit border checks for UK nationals entering the EU. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces manual passport stamping with digital records. Travelers have reported delays because of the new system, and industry leaders expressed concerns about potential disruptions with full implementation at Easter.
