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Huge crackdown as UK Government warns tourists in 85 countries ‘no permit, no entry’

admin November 24, 2025

Travellers from countries including France, Canada and the US are being urged to be prepared ahead of visits to the UK from next year.

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The government is working to strengthen and modernise border security (Image: Getty)

The UK Government has issued a warning to visitors from 85 countries in a major crackdown on tourism. In updated advice published online, the Home Office has told travellers from nations including France, Canada and the US that they will not be able to enter the UK next year without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The new rules are set to take full effect from February 25, 2026. International visitors are being warned that airlines will check they have either an ETA or an e-visa before they are due to travel. The digital permit, which enables pre-arrival security screening, is part of the UK’s effort to strengthen and modernise border security.

It costs £16 to apply for an ETA. The scheme was soft-launched in October 2023, and over 13.3 million people have successfully applied so far.

Although the rules have been relaxed so far as the scheme rolls out in stages, they are set to become an essential part of travel to the UK from next February. Travellers are advised to leave up to three working days for their application to be processed.

Mike Tapp, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said: “ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration.

“ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitising the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience.”

Travellers from 85 nations require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before coming to the UK (Image: Getty)

Citizens of all European countries, the United States, Canada and Australia require an ETA to travel to the UK. Many countries in Asia, Central America and South America are also included.

British and Irish citizens are exempt from needing an ETA. All they will require when travelling to the UK from next February is a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.

The Home Office says: “An ETA allows you to travel to the UK to visit for up to 6 months. Whether you can apply depends on your nationality as shown on your passport.”

UK Border Sign