This paid digital document, designed to strengthen border security, was introduced for European nationals at the beginning of April 2025. The transition period is now ending.

End of tolerance: from this Wednesday, visitors from more than 80 countries, including the United States, Canada or EU members, will be required to present an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter British territory.

This paid digital document, intended to strengthen security at the UK's borders, was introduced for European nationals in early April 2025, but border agents could still show flexibility during checks.

The transition period is now ending and "passengers without electronic travel authorization will be prevented from boarding" planes or trains to the UK, the British Home Office said in a statement.

Launched in 2023

The ETA was launched in 2023, initially for citizens of Qatar, then in other Gulf countries, before being expanded. It now applies to nationals of 85 countries who do not need a visa to travel to the United Kingdom for a stay of less than six months, or who do not have a residence permit to stay in the country.

People transiting through British airports must also have an ETA. It is valid for two years and costs £16 (approximately €19), but the government states on its website that it intends to raise the price to £20 in the future. 19.6 million ETAs had been issued by September 2025.

Travel authorization, digitally linked to the passport, is generally granted within moments of an application submitted online or via an app, according to the Home Office, which nevertheless recommends allowing three business days. This process is similar to the US ESTA and the ETIAS that the European Union is scheduled to launch at the end of 2026.