The United Kingdom will deny entry to visitors without an Electronic Travel Authorisation, ETA, effective February 25, 2026, the government announced on Monday.
The rule affects nationals from 85 countries, including the United States, Canada, and France, who ordinarily do not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom.
According to the Home Office, the enforcement is a significant step towards digitising the immigration system and paving the way for a contactless border in the future.
Under the scheme, everyone who wants to visit the UK must have digital permission through either an ETA or an eVisa.