Starting 25 February 2026, the United Kingdom will require all visitors from visa-exempt countries to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. This digital authorization will replace the current visa-waiver system and affect travelers from around the globe – including the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Who Needs the UK ETA?
The new rule applies to 85 nationalities who currently do not require a visa for short stays of up to six months in the UK. This includes citizens from countries such as:
- United States, Canada, Australia
- Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan
- India, Malaysia, Turkey
- Most of Europe, Latin America, and parts of Africa
Notably, the ETA expansion has gradually rolled out: it first applied to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like Qatar and the UAE in 2023–2024, and from January 2025, it was extended to 48 additional nations, including many in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America .
If you already require a UK visa, this new rule does not apply – your entry requirements remain unchanged.
How the ETA Works
The UK ETA is a digital travel permission linked to your passport. It is not a visa, but a pre-travel screening tool designed to enhance border security and streamline entry for low-risk travelers.
Key Features:
- Validity: Two years or until your passport expires- whichever comes first .
- Multiple entries: You can visit the UK as many times as needed during the validity period .
- Permitted stay: Up to 6 months per visit for tourism, business, or short-term study .
- Fee: £16 per application (non-refundable) .
- Processing time: Most decisions are issued within minutes, though applicants are advised to apply at least three working days before travel-ideally two weeks in advance to avoid delays .
How to Apply
The application is fully digital and can be completed via:
- The official UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android)
- The GOV.UK website
You’ll need:
- A valid passport
- A recent digital photo
- A credit or debit card for payment
- An email address for confirmation
Carriers (airlines, ferry operators, etc.) will verify your ETA before boarding. If you do not have one, you will not be allowed to travel to the UK – “No ETA, no entry,” as the UK government warns .
Why Is the UK Introducing the ETA?
The ETA system aligns the UK with other major destinations like the U.S. (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and the EU (ETIAS), which all use digital pre-screening for visa-exempt travelers. The goal is to identify potential security, health, or immigration risks before arrival-making travel safer and more efficient.
What This Means for Travelers from Pakistan, the Middle East, and Asia
While Pakistani citizens are not on the ETA-eligible list (as they require a standard visa for UK entry), many neighboring countries are affected:
- GCC nationals (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.) must now apply for an ETA instead of arriving visa-free .
- Indian, Malaysian, and Turkish passport holders also fall under the new requirement .
If you’re from a visa-required country like Pakistan, this change does not impact your current visa process. However, if you hold dual nationality with an ETA-eligible country (e.g., Canadian-Pakistani), you must apply for an ETA using your eligible passport.
Final Advice
- Check your eligibility well in advance on the official UK ETA portal.
- Apply early-even if most approvals are instant, delays can happen.
- Never use third-party sites that charge extra fees; the only official cost is £16 .
With the ETA system going fully mandatory in early 2026, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the process-especially if you plan to visit the UK for work, tourism, or family visits.
Stay informed, apply early, and travel with confidence.
