From 2026, the UK is introducing a digital entry requirement called the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). For many travellers it will soon become as essential as your passport.
Are you a resident or citizen of Spain or elsewhere in Europe and planning a trip to the UK this year? Whether you’re heading over to visit family, enjoy a city break, or simply catch up with friends, there’s an important new travel rule you’ll need to know about.
The way we travel is changing fast, and digital borders are now very much part of the journey. One of the biggest shifts for international travellers is the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a new digital permit that will soon be mandatory for millions of visitors.
From 25 February 2026, travellers from Spain, the rest of the EU, and many visa-free countries will need an ETA before entering the United Kingdom. This includes visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Costa Rica, among others.
The system has been gradually introduced since late 2023, but the transition period is coming to an end. From 2026 onwards, no ETA will mean no boarding your flight.
Who needs an ETA?
Most short-term visitors to the UK will need an ETA. The only people exempt are:
- British and Irish citizens
- Dual nationals travelling with a British passport
- UK residents with a valid residence permit
Transit passengers who remain in the international zone of airports such as Heathrow or Manchester do not need an ETA, as long as they do not pass through passport control. For anyone entering the UK, even briefly, the ETA will be compulsory.
How the ETA works
The ETA is not a visa and does not involve complex paperwork. It is a simple digital travel authorisation designed to manage short-term visitors and strengthen border security.
- Applications are completed entirely online, either through:
- The official UK ETA app (available on Apple App Store and Google Play), or
- The UK government website, for those without a smartphone
The cost is £16 (around €18).
To apply, you will need:
- Your passport details
- A recent photograph
- Basic contact information
Most applications are approved automatically within minutes, but UK authorities advise applying at least three working days before travel, just in case additional checks are required.
Once approved, your ETA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that time, you can make multiple visits of up to six months for tourism, family visits or short stays.
Airlines will check before you fly
Airlines, ferry companies and other transport operators are legally required to check that passengers have a valid ETA or eVisa before boarding. Turning up at the airport without one could mean being denied travel.
Since its launch in October 2023, the UK has already issued over 13.3 million ETAs, giving travellers time to adjust before the system becomes fully mandatory.
Why the UK is introducing ETAs
According to the British government, the ETA forms part of a wider move towards digital border controls, improving security while reducing reliance on physical document checks.
Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp explained, “the system allows the UK to know who is travelling before they arrive, while still keeping the process quick and accessible for visitors.”
