France Set To Join Hungary, Germany, Iceland, Malta, Greece, Belgium, And More European Countries As UK Prepares To Enforce Sixteen Pounds Electronic Travel Authorisation Fee For All Visa-Exempt Visitors: New Updates You Should Know

Published on November 25, 2025

Starting February 2026, France will join Hungary, Germany, Iceland, Malta, Greece, Belgium, and other European countries in facing the new UK mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement. This move, aimed at enhancing border security and streamlining the entry process, mandates that travellers from 85 visa-exempt countries, including many in Europe, must apply for the £16 ETA before visiting the UK. The introduction of the ETA will help prevent security threats and simplify the entry process for legitimate travellers, ensuring a smoother experience for visitors while strengthening the UK’s border controls.

In an effort to enhance border security and streamline the entry process, the United Kingdom is introducing a new travel regulation that will affect visitors from 85 countries worldwide, including France, Germany, Italy, and other European nations. Starting February 25, 2026, travellers from these visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK. This new requirement comes as part of a broader move to strengthen the country’s border controls and ensure a more efficient, secure entry system. The UK government aims to make the immigration process easier for legitimate travellers while preventing potential security threats.

The UK ETA system, which is similar to the United States’ ESTA or Canada’s eTA, has been in a transition phase since its soft launch in 2023. However, from 2026, it will become fully mandatory for all visa-exempt visitors. In this article, we’ll explore how this new regulation will impact European nations such as France, Germany, Iceland, Malta, Greece, and Belgium, and provide key details on the ETA application process, its costs, and the countries involved.

What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital entry permit required for travellers from visa-exempt countries. It allows individuals to visit the UK for tourism, business, or transit purposes without the need for a traditional visa. This system was introduced to simplify the process for legitimate visitors while enhancing security by enabling pre-screening of travellers before they board their flights.

The introduction of the ETA will be a game-changer for visitors from many European countries. The UK government aims to provide a smoother, more secure process for travellers by allowing authorities to screen and approve individuals before they even board a flight. This measure will help ensure that travellers entering the UK are not a security risk, while also reducing the strain on border control officers.

The European Countries Affected by the ETA Requirement

As of February 25, 2026, travellers from 85 countries will need to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK. For many European nations, this represents a significant shift in how travel to the UK is managed. Let’s take a closer look at some of the European countries that will be impacted by this new rule:

As of February 2026, citizens from these countries will be required to apply for the UK ETA before travelling to the UK. This new regulation will apply to travellers visiting the UK for tourism, business, or transit, and the application process will be available online or via the official UK ETA app.

How the ETA System Works

The UK ETA is a simple, digital travel authorisation that is designed to be both quick and easy to apply for. Once the system becomes mandatory in February 2026, travellers will need to apply online through the official UK ETA website or mobile app. The process will be straightforward and will only require basic personal information, travel details, and passport information.

Applicants will also need to answer a few security-related questions, which are designed to ensure that they do not pose a risk to UK security. The application fee is £16 per person, which is significantly lower than traditional visa fees. Once submitted, most ETA applications will be processed and approved within minutes. However, the UK government recommends applying at least three days before travel to allow time for additional checks if needed. The ETA will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and will be valid for multiple short visits to the UK.

The process of applying for the ETA is designed to be simple and efficient, allowing travellers to receive approval quickly. However, it is important for European travellers to keep in mind that failure to apply for the ETA before travel could result in being denied boarding or entry upon arrival in the UK.

Why the ETA is Being Introduced

The UK ETA system is being introduced to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for legitimate travellers. With the rise of digital travel authorisations around the world, the UK has recognised the need to implement a similar system to improve the management of visitors entering the country. The system is designed to pre-screen travellers before they board their flight, ensuring that individuals who may pose a risk are flagged before they even reach the UK.

The introduction of the ETA also allows the UK government to better monitor and control who enters the country, making it easier to prevent illegal immigration and criminal activity. In addition, the system simplifies the entry process for most travellers, reducing wait times at border control and ensuring a smoother arrival experience.

For many European countries, including France, Germany, Greece, and Belgium, the ETA requirement will represent a new step in the process of travelling to the UK. While the application process is straightforward, it will require travellers to plan ahead and ensure that they have obtained the ETA before their trip.

Key Details About the ETA

• Cost: The application fee is £16 per person.
• Processing Time: Most applications are approved within minutes, but it is recommended to apply at least three days before travel.
• Where to Apply: Applications can be made online or via the official UK ETA app (available for both iOS and Android).
• Validity: The ETA is linked to the traveller’s passport and is valid for multiple short visits to the UK.
• Impact: From February 2026, the ETA will be mandatory for all visa-exempt visitors, including citizens from 85 countries, many of which are in Europe.

What European Travellers Need to Know

As the UK prepares to implement the mandatory ETA system in 2026, European travellers should ensure that they are prepared for this new requirement. While the process is designed to be quick and easy, it will be crucial to apply for the ETA before travelling. Failure to do so could result in being denied boarding by airlines or being turned away at the border.

The introduction of the ETA system marks a significant change in how UK-bound travellers from European countries will be processed. For many European citizens, this will be a minor inconvenience, but it is a necessary step towards improving security and enhancing the travel experience for everyone.

The UK’s introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is a significant step forward in border security and efficiency. For citizens of European nations like France, Germany, Iceland, Malta, Greece, and Belgium, the new requirement will add an extra step in the travel process. However, with a quick online application and a minimal fee, the ETA is designed to be a user-friendly and effective way to enhance security while simplifying entry for legitimate travellers.

Starting February 2026, France will join Hungary, Germany, Iceland, Malta, Greece, Belgium, and more European countries in needing a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. This new requirement aims to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for travellers.

As we approach the mandatory implementation of the UK ETA in February 2026, it’s crucial for travellers from European nations to plan ahead and ensure that they obtain their ETA before flying. By doing so, they will help ensure a smooth and seamless travel experience when visiting the UK, while also contributing to the UK’s efforts to improve border control and security.