The UK has moved to enforced digital permission to travel for visitors from nationalities that do not normally need a visa. Since 25 February 2026, airlines can stop a covered traveller from boarding without an ETA, eVisa or another valid permission. The current ETA fee is £20, and an ETA allows visits of up to six months for tourism and other permitted purposes.
Each traveller needs their own permission, including babies and children, and the authorisation is linked to the passport used in the application. An ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry at the border. British and Irish passport holders and people who already have UK immigration permission are among those who do not need one.
Before travel, check the official GOV.UK eligibility tool for the exact rule for your passport and journey. Apply only through the official government service and leave time for a decision before your flight.