Travel to the UK

As of February 25, 2026, travellers to Britain from 85 countries, including Canada, the U.S., and France, will no longer be able to enter the U.K. without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

This means anyone travelling to the U.K. for business or leisure will now need an approved ETA before departure.

What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) works similarly to the U.S. ESTA and the European Union’s ETIAS, working as a security measure for those travelling to the UK that don’t need a visa.  Those that apply for an ETA will be permitted to enter the UK, and be able to:

• Spend up to six months in the UK for tourism, visiting friends and family, business or study.
• Spend up to three months in the UK on the Creative Worker visa concession.
• Come to the UK for a permitted paid engagement.
• Transit through the UK.

An approved ETA will be valid for two years and can be used for multiple visits to the UK. If a traveller gets a new passport in that time, they will need to get a new ETA.

It is your responsibility to apply for the ETA before your journey. 

You can apply for your ETA through the ‘UK ETA’ app or the official UK government website.