Starting February 25, visitors from 85 countries travelling to Britain will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure, the British Interior Ministry has announced. Travellers who fail to secure the permit in advance will be barred from boarding their flights.
The ETA scheme applies to visitors who do not require a visa to enter the UK, including nationals from countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. The online permit costs £16 and was first introduced in 2023, later extended to European visitors in April 2025. While previously not strictly enforced, the requirement will become mandatory from February 25. Airlines have been instructed to deny boarding to passengers who do not hold a valid ETA, eVisa, or other approved documentation.
British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, as well as individuals with the right to reside in the UK, are exempt from the requirement. Migration Minister Mike Tapp stated that the ETA scheme is intended to strengthen border security while creating a more efficient and modern entry system.
Meanwhile, the European Union began implementing its Entry/Exit System in October 2025 for British nationals travelling to EU countries following Brexit. The digital system replaces manual passport stamping but has reportedly led to delays at some airports, raising concerns about potential disruptions during peak travel periods.
