The government has indicated that when it steps up enforcement of the ETA from the 25th of February 2026, visitors to the UK, including operators of HGVs, who are not compliant with the scheme, may be denied access to the UK.

Who needs an ETA?

Starting from April 2nd 2025, EU citizens (and other European nationals from countries like Switzerland, Iceland, etc.) were required to obtain an ETA to visit the UK for short stays. This was defined as visits up to 6 months for tourism, business, study, or those physically passing 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 the 25th of February, this will change, with the law being enforced 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 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 apply via the UK ETA app.

Whether an ETA or a 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 on the UK ETA app are approved in minutes.”

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