Australia Joins Canada, US, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and more as UK Enforces New 2026 ETA Requirement: Everything You Need to Know for Smooth Travel!

Published on November 25, 2025

As of February 2026, the United Kingdom will introduce a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for nationals from 85 visa-exempt countries, including major travel hubs like Australia, Canada, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This significant change in the UK’s border policy will affect millions of travellers who previously only needed a passport to visit.

What is the UK ETA and Why Is It Being Introduced?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new digital system that will allow short-term visitors to enter the UK. While it is not a full visa, it will be a mandatory requirement for nationals from visa-exempt countries. The ETA will grant permission for stays of up to six months for tourism, business, or family visits.

This move is part of the UK’s broader effort to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for millions of visitors. For the countries in question, this means travellers will no longer be able to simply board a plane to the UK; they must apply for an ETA before departure. The application process will be quick and easy, with a nominal fee of £16, and travellers can apply via an official app or website. However, the introduction of this extra step could disrupt the previously seamless travel experience.

Australia: A Simple Addition to a Well-Worn Travel Path

Australians have long enjoyed easy access to the UK, typically flying without the need for a visa. However, with the introduction of the ETA, Australians will need to factor in this additional step before travel. The ETA system is expected to add a minor hurdle to the travel process, but given the advanced technology already in place, such as ePassport gates, the transition is likely to be smooth.

Australian travellers should remember that they must apply for the ETA ahead of time and ensure they use the same passport for both the application and travel. Although it adds an extra task to their travel routine, the process should be relatively simple. Airlines will also be enforcing the rule, checking for the ETA before boarding.

Canada: A Digital Step Forward for Frequent UK Visitors

For Canadian citizens, the UK ETA will be a new requirement, but it’s one that aligns with Canada’s embrace of digital travel permits for various countries. Much like the eTA required for entry to Canada, the UK’s ETA will streamline the entry process while providing additional security.

Canadians should be prepared to apply for their ETA ahead of time, paying the £16 fee and ensuring their passport is valid for at least six months. While many Canadians travel to the UK frequently, this change could impact last-minute travel plans if the ETA is not obtained in advance. Like Australians, Canadians will benefit from digital travel solutions, but the change is something to plan for in advance.

United States: New Rules for Frequent UK Travellers

The introduction of the ETA will have a significant impact on US nationals who are used to travelling to the UK without the need for prior approval. As one of the largest groups of international visitors to the UK, Americans will now need to adjust their travel habits by applying for the ETA before booking flights.

For US citizens, the major challenge will be remembering to apply for the ETA and the risk of being turned away at the airport if they fail to do so. This will be particularly important for business travellers, tourists, and those making last-minute travel plans. The introduction of the ETA is expected to create minor disruptions but shouldn’t present significant challenges once travellers become familiar with the new system.

Japan: Embracing the Digital Shift for Smooth UK Visits

Japanese citizens will also be required to apply for the UK ETA before travel. While this is a relatively new process for Japan, which has a high level of digital adoption, the transition should be straightforward. Japanese travellers, who are familiar with similar digital travel authorisations for other destinations, will find the ETA process relatively intuitive.

For Japan, which has strong tourism and business connections with the UK, this change is likely to impact visitors who frequently travel for business or tourism. As with the other countries, Japanese nationals will need to ensure they apply in advance, as failure to do so could result in being denied boarding or entry. The ETA will be a minor inconvenience for those who regularly travel to the UK, but it should not disrupt long-term travel patterns.

South Korea: A Simple Step for Well-Connected Travellers

South Korean nationals are also on the list of countries whose citizens will need to apply for the UK ETA. With South Korea’s advanced digital infrastructure and widespread use of e-passports, South Korean travellers are likely to adjust to this new requirement without much difficulty.

The impact will be felt mostly by those who make frequent trips to the UK for business or tourism, as they will now need to add the ETA application to their travel checklist. While the system may be slightly disruptive at first, the well-established use of digital authorisations in South Korea will help make this transition smoother.

Saudi Arabia: New Digital Requirement for Growing Traveller Base

Saudi Arabia has seen significant growth in travel to the UK, with many Saudi nationals visiting for business, tourism, and education. As a result, the ETA requirement will likely have a major impact on Saudi travellers who have become accustomed to simple travel between the two countries.

For Saudi visitors, applying for the ETA will become an additional step in their travel planning. While the process is expected to be relatively easy, it will require a shift in habits, especially for last-minute travellers. The ETA system will add a layer of complexity to travel for many Saudis, but the digital nature of the process may be familiar to them, making the adjustment less challenging.

UAE: A Smooth Transition for Frequent UK Visitors

As one of the most connected travel hubs in the world, the UAE has a high volume of travellers to the UK. The introduction of the ETA will impact UAE citizens, who are used to travelling freely to the UK. However, given the UAE’s advanced digital systems, the transition should be relatively seamless.

UAE nationals will need to apply for the ETA before travel, which means that last-minute travel could face complications. However, like many other countries in the Middle East, the UAE is already familiar with digital authorisation systems, so the shift to applying for an ETA should not be overly difficult for most travellers.

Key Considerations for All Affected Countries

For travellers from Australia, Canada, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, there are several key considerations to keep in mind when the UK ETA becomes mandatory in February 2026:

1. Advance Application Is Crucial – The ETA must be applied for before travelling. While it is quick to process, travellers must ensure they leave time for any potential delays in approval.
2. Airline Checks – Airlines will be responsible for checking that passengers have a valid ETA before boarding, and failure to comply could result in being denied boarding.
3. Visa-Exempt Does Not Mean Automatic Entry – The ETA grants permission to travel to the UK but does not guarantee entry. UK Border officials will still make the final decision on arrival.
4. Stay Within the Rules – The ETA is only valid for short stays (up to six months), and travellers must meet the UK’s entry requirements. Those intending to stay longer or work will need a full visa.

Conclusion

The UK’s introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for citizens of Australia, Canada, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will mark a significant shift in how travellers from these countries visit the UK. While the process is simple and straightforward, it adds an extra step to the travel process. For frequent travellers, this change will require some planning and adjustment, but the impact should be manageable with proper preparation. The UK ETA is designed to enhance border security while ensuring smooth and efficient travel for short-term visitors.