The United Kingdom has announced new rules for travelers: from February 2026, entry will only be possible after obtaining the relevant permit.
The United Kingdom is introducing new entry rules for travelers as of 25 February 2026. According to the government announcement, no one will be able to cross the border without prior consent, i.e. obtaining a digital authorization to enter. The new obligation will apply to all travelers, including EU citizens. This means that free arrivals will no longer be allowed without further formalities – you will need to obtain an electronic entry permit before traveling to the UK.
The United Kingdom announced the introduction of new entry rules from 25 February 2026. From that day on, any person planning a trip to the Islands will have to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) in advance. This is a digital permit that must be requested before the journey begins.
The new obligation will apply to citizens of the 85 countries that were previously able to enter without a visa, including all European Union countries, as well as the US, Canada and France, among others. The introduction of ETA is part of the broader digitization of the UK immigration system and paves the way for the future introduction of contactless border controls. After the changes, it will be the responsibility of carriers – airlines or ferries – to verify that the passenger holds a valid ETA authorization before boarding.
In the UK, no permission, no travel (“no permission, no travel”) is now fully in force. Since the introduction of the system in October 2023, more than 13.3 million ETA applications have already been submitted, which has greatly improved the handling of travelers at the borders. The ETA system in place allows the services to better detect people who may be at risk before they arrive in the UK, while allowing for a smoother travel experience for others.
During the transitional period, the rules were applied in a light manner to allow carriers and passengers to adapt to the new requirements. Now, however, the “no permission, no travel” rule will be mandatory. The application for ETA is submitted via the official UK ETA application and the fee is £16. Although most consents are issued within a few minutes, it is recommended that you apply at least three days before your planned trip.
British and Irish citizens, including those with dual citizenship, are exempt from the ETA requirement. However, the government points out that British passport or Certificate of Entitlement holders must make sure that their documents are valid. Otherwise, they may be denied boarding after 25 February 2026.
All travelers should also pay attention to changes in the validity of travel documents in their countries. A number of countries are introducing new rules or requirements on passports and other documents that may affect the possibility of entering the UK after a certain date. Before departure, it is advisable to check the current rules both on the British side and in the country issuing the document in order to avoid refusing to board or enter the UK.
The introduction of the mandatory ETA authorization is a big change for millions of travelers, who until now have been able to enter the UK freely without additional formalities. From February 25, 2026, each trip will require prior digital consent. Without it, airlines or ferries will not let passengers on board. Therefore, when planning a trip, it is worth submitting an application in advance, checking the validity of documents and tracking the current regulations. Thanks to this, our journey will be without stress and unpleasant surprises.