US, France, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Japan, Switzerland and Other Seventy-Eight Countries Face Tough Travel Challenge as UK Issues No ETA, No Entry This winter Season

Published on November 27, 2025

US, France, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, and 78 other countries are facing a tough travel challenge this winter season as the UK enforces its “No ETA, No Entry” policy. Starting February 25, 2026, travelers from these nations will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK, ending the era of visa-free access for short-term visits. This significant change adds a new layer of bureaucracy, creating hurdles for travelers who previously enjoyed easier entry to the UK. This new requirement is set to impact millions of travelers as the UK transitions from a system of visa-free entry for short-term visits to one that demands additional documentation. With the deadline fast approaching, travelers from affected countries must navigate the process of securing an ETA, which could lead to delays and confusion, particularly during peak travel times. As the winter season approaches, airlines, travel agencies, and passengers are scrambling to adjust, ensuring compliance with the new rule to avoid disruptions in travel plans. The UK government’s move aims to enhance border security, but it also introduces a significant challenge for international visitors accustomed to seamless entry.

The United Kingdom is preparing to enforce a significant new travel requirement from February 25, 2026. The government’s introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa waiver in 2023 was a gradual process, but the announcement that it will be mandatory for all travelers—except for those holding a UK or Irish passport—marks the end of an era where short-term travelers from various countries could enter without additional paperwork. As the clock ticks down to this new rule’s full enforcement, travelers from across 85 countries face a new hurdle in their journey to the UK: No ETA, No Entry.

A Tough New Challenge for 85 Countries

For travelers who have previously enjoyed hassle-free access to the UK, this new requirement represents a significant shift in their travel plans. The introduction of the ETA means that citizens from several countries will need to apply for online authorization before embarking on their trip to the UK. This is a departure from the traditional visa process, but it still places a considerable burden on travelers, who must now navigate the online application process and meet the new entry requirements.

In this article, we explore the ramifications of the UK’s upcoming changes, including who will be affected, the application process, and what travelers need to know to ensure a smooth journey to the UK in 2026.

What is the ETA and How Will It Affect Travelers?

The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital authorization that travelers from eligible countries must obtain before traveling to the UK. While it is technically not a visa, the ETA functions as a visa waiver, similar to other international systems like the ESTA in the United States.

Travelers will be required to apply for the ETA online, and it is advised that they do so at least three days before their scheduled travel. Although the UK government asserts that most applications are processed in minutes, travelers are urged to submit their requests well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.

The ETA costs £16 (roughly €18), and the authorization is valid for two years, unless the traveler obtains a new passport during that period. The new system will primarily affect short-term visitors from countries that previously did not require a visa to enter the UK.

Who Needs an ETA?

Starting in February 2026, travelers from 85 countries, including the US, Canada, all EU/EEA nations, and several others, will be required to apply for an ETA before traveling to the UK. Although some may view this as a minor inconvenience, the reality is that this requirement adds a significant layer of bureaucracy for travelers who previously enjoyed streamlined entry to the UK.

Only those traveling on a UK or Irish passport are exempt from this rule. Additionally, people who hold a British long-stay visa or residency status will still need to present their documentation at the border but will not need to obtain the ETA.

The new ETA system is expected to impact travelers’ ability to board flights to the UK. Carriers will be tasked with verifying that passengers have obtained the necessary ETA before boarding their flights. Those without the required authorization will be denied entry or boarding, which will certainly cause travel disruptions.

A Step Toward Secure Borders

The UK government’s stated goal for the ETA system is to enhance security by ensuring that only eligible travelers are permitted to enter the country. By screening travelers before they board, the UK aims to reduce the number of people arriving without the proper documentation. This system also gives the UK authorities a clearer picture of who is entering the country and for what purpose.

While the system is primarily aimed at short-term travelers from visa-exempt countries, it is a part of a broader trend toward digital border management. Many other countries around the world have already implemented similar systems, and the UK is following suit as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize its border control processes.

The Application Process: How to Apply for an ETA

Applying for the UK ETA is an entirely online process. Travelers will need to visit the UK government’s official website to complete their application. The system is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple form that asks for essential details such as passport information, travel dates, and the purpose of the visit.

Once the application is submitted, travelers can expect to receive a decision within minutes. If approved, the ETA will be valid for two years, allowing travelers to visit the UK multiple times during that period without needing to apply again, as long as their passport remains valid.

It is important to note that travelers must apply for an ETA individually, even children need to apply.

Full List of Countries Affected by the New ETA Requirement

The new ETA rule will apply to travelers from 85 countries and territories, many of which are highly popular travel destinations. The full list includes countries from every continent, from the Americas to Europe to the Pacific Islands. Below is a breakdown of the affected countries:

European Countries

• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• San Marino
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

Other Countries and Territories

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Barbados
• Belize
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Canada
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Hong Kong SAR
• Israel
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Kuwait
• Macao SAR
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Nauru
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• Oman
• Palau
• Panama
• Papua New Guinea
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Qatar
• Samoa
• Saudi Arabia
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Taiwan
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• United States
• Uruguay

Who Needs the UK ETA? See the Full List of Affected Countries in 2026

The Big Travel Disruption: What’s at Stake?

For travelers who are accustomed to flying to the UK without needing any further documentation beyond their passports, this new rule could feel like an unwelcome disruption. However, it is important to note that the UK is not the only country implementing stricter travel controls. The world is increasingly moving toward digital border management, and travelers from many countries will face similar requirements when traveling to other destinations.

The shift from a paper-based visa system to digital travel authorizations is part of a larger global trend toward improving security and streamlining travel processes. However, travelers need to be aware of the potential for delays, misunderstandings, and additional costs as they adapt to this new era of travel.

What Can Travelers Do Now?

To ensure a smooth entry into the UK after February 2026, travelers from the affected countries should:

1. Apply for the ETA well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
2. Check passport validity to ensure it aligns with the two-year ETA validity period.
3. Follow UK government updates for any changes to the application process or entry requirements.
4. Double-check travel arrangements with airlines, as they will be required to check for the ETA before allowing passengers to board.

The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is set to be a game-changer for international travel to the UK. Starting in February 2026, travelers from 85 countries will face a new, mandatory travel requirement. While it may create some inconvenience for those used to hassle-free entry, it represents an important step toward enhanced security and more efficient border control.

US, France, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, and 78 other countries are facing a tough travel challenge this winter season as the UK enforces its “No ETA, No Entry” policy. Starting February 25, 2026, travelers from these nations will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), ending the era of visa-free access for short-term visitors.

As the travel landscape continues to evolve, travelers will need to stay informed about changing regulations and be proactive in securing the necessary travel documentation. By doing so, they can avoid disruptions and enjoy a smooth journey to the UK.