By our Reporter
The United Kingdom will begin full enforcement of its Electronic Travel Authorisation requirement for visa-exempt travellers from February 25, 2026, the UK government has said.
With just over two weeks to the enforcement date, UK authorities have warned that eligible visitors who fail to obtain an ETA before travelling risk being denied boarding on flights, trains or ferries bound for the UK.
The warning was issued in a statement posted on X by UK Visas and Immigration, an agency of the Home Office
“From 25 February 2026, eligible visitors to the UK can’t legally travel without an Electronic Travel Authorisation,” the Home Office said.
It directed prospective travellers to the official GOV.UK website and urged them to apply through the UK ETA mobile app or online platform.
The ETA scheme forms part of the UK’s ongoing digital immigration overhaul, aimed at strengthening border security while simplifying entry procedures for short-term visitors.
It requires pre-travel authorisation for nationals of about 85 countries who do not ordinarily require a visa for short stays.
These include citizens of the United States, Canada, France and several other European countries.
ETA does not apply to Nigerians, as they need a visa to enter the UK
From February 25, transport operators will be legally required to confirm that travellers hold a valid ETA before allowing them to board, replacing the current discretionary checks.
