The United Kingdom has announced that foreign nationals who can enter the country without a traditional visa must still secure a UK ETA before departure. The electronic travel authorisation, introduced on 25 February 2026, is a £20 online permit that remains valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires. The announcement was posted on the official GOV.UK X account, prompting travellers to check the new requirement ahead of any planned visit.
What the UK ETA covers
An approved UK ETA grants eligible visitors permission to stay in the United Kingdom for up to six months at a time for tourism, business or other permitted activities. The authorisation does not replace a visa; it simply satisfies a pre‑entry check for those who would otherwise be visa‑exempt. Holders can make multiple trips within the two‑year validity window, provided they continue to meet entry conditions each time they arrive.
The cost of the UK ETA is fixed at £20, a fee that can be paid directly through the official UK ETA mobile app or the government website. The system is designed to be free of hidden charges, and officials have warned travellers to avoid third‑party platforms that often add extra processing fees. Once approved, the digital authorisation is linked to the applicant’s passport and can be viewed on the device used for the application.
Who must apply and who is exempt
The UK ETA applies only to nationals of countries that enjoy visa‑free entry to the United Kingdom. It does not affect British or Irish citizens, nor those who qualify for other specific exemptions under separate immigration rules. Nigerian passport holders, for example, remain required to obtain a standard UK visitor visa and are not eligible for the ETA programme.
Before booking flights or accommodation, the government advises all potential visitors to use the official visa‑checking tool available on the GOV.UK portal. This tool confirms whether a traveller’s nationality falls under the visa‑exempt list and, consequently, whether an ETA is needed. The guidance stresses that an approved UK ETA is not a guarantee of admission; border officers at the point of entry retain full discretion to permit or refuse entry based on the individual’s overall immigration compliance.
Application process and practical tips
Applicants start by downloading the UK ETA app or accessing the online portal on the government website. After entering passport details and paying the £20 fee, the system processes the request, typically delivering an approval within minutes for most users. The electronic authorisation is then stored on the applicant’s device and can be presented to immigration officers upon arrival.
Travelers are reminded to double‑check that the passport number entered matches the document they will travel with, as any discrepancy can lead to a denied ETA. Because the authorisation expires either after two years or when the passport expires, whichever occurs first, users must re‑apply if they renew their passport during the validity period. The UK government has also highlighted that the ETA does not replace any other entry requirements, such as proof of sufficient funds, onward travel tickets or accommodation details, all of which remain subject to inspection at the border.
The introduction of the UK ETA aligns with similar electronic authorisation schemes used by other countries, aiming to streamline entry procedures while enhancing security screening. By shifting the initial eligibility check to an online platform, the United Kingdom hopes to reduce processing times at busy airports and lessen the administrative burden on both travellers and immigration officers.
For now, the rollout appears to be proceeding without major technical issues, although the government continues to monitor feedback and adjust the system as needed. Officials have not indicated any immediate changes to the fee or validity period, but they caution that policy revisions could occur in response to evolving security considerations or diplomatic agreements.
Travel agents and tour operators are being urged to update their booking systems to flag the UK ETA requirement for eligible clients. The advice is part of a broader effort to prevent last‑minute disruptions for tourists who might otherwise assume that a visa‑free status removes all formalities. As the travel season approaches, many Nigerians planning to visit friends or attend conferences are expected to seek clarification on whether the new rule affects their itinerary.
The next step for the UK government is to continue publicising the ETA through official channels and to ensure that the online application infrastructure can handle peak demand periods. Travelers are encouraged to apply well before their intended departure date to avoid any unforeseen delays.
