BIFA News
UK tightens up enforcement of Electronic Travel Authorisation
The government has indicated that when it steps up enforcement of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026, visitors to the UK, including operators of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), who are not compliant with the scheme may be denied access. Who needs an ETA Starting from 2 April 2025, EU citizens (and European nationals from other countries, for example Switzerland, Iceland, etc) were required to obtain an ETA to visit the UK for short stays. This was defined as visits of up to six months for tourism, business and study, or those physically passing
via the UK APP https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ using-the-uk-eta-app before travelling How to apply Visitors can find more information about applying for an ETA and download the UK ETA app to apply. Whether an ETA or visa is needed depends on the visitor’s nationality. An ETA costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. According to a government information pack, “most applications made
through border controls to transit the UK. However, there has been a phased implementation process with Border Force advising and encouraging visitors to obtain an ETA. As of 25 February 2026, this will change with more rigorous
enforcement by the authorities. The government says that “those who do not have an ETA will be unable to board their transport and will not be permitted to travel to the UK”. Drivers from non-visa countries must check their eligibility and apply online or
on the UK ETA app are approved in minutes”.
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8 | February 2026
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