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Summary:
- What it is: a digital travel permission linked to your passport, not a visa.
- Who needs it: visa-exempt visitors, including French citizens.
- Key date: from 25 February 2026, enforcement becomes stricter under a “no permission, no travel” logic.
- Price: £16.
- Validity: generally 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Where to apply: via GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app.
If you’ve travelled to the UK before, the reflex probably feels automatic: passport, ticket, done. That reflex is exactly what can catch people out today. The ETA is checked before departure, not as something you can sort out after landing.
The good news is that the process is straightforward when you handle it early. The bad news is that forgetting it is just as straightforward, you simply don’t board. Here’s what you actually need to know, without the noise.
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What the UK ETA actually is
An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the United Kingdom. It is not a visa, and it does not guarantee entry. Think of it as a pre-travel clearance that allows you to get on your flight, train, or ferry without administrative surprises.
It applies to travellers who normally do not need a visa for short stays, including tourism, visiting family, and certain short business trips. In most cases, stays can last up to six months, as long as the purpose fits the permitted categories.
One detail people overlook: the ETA is linked to the passport used during the application. If you renew or replace your passport, that link can break. New passport often means reviewing your ETA status.
Why 25 February 2026 matters
For many European travellers, including French citizens, the ETA requirement has already been phased in. However, 25 February 2026 is widely referenced as the point where enforcement becomes fully operational under a stricter “no permission, no travel” approach.
In practical terms, this shifts the pressure to the departure point. Airlines, rail operators and ferry companies can verify your travel authorisation before you board. If your ETA is missing or invalid, you may not even reach UK border control.
This is the key mindset change. The risk is no longer “sorting it out on arrival.” The risk is not leaving at all.
What you pay and what you get
Let’s keep this concrete.
- The ETA costs £16.
- It is typically valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- It allows multiple entries during that validity period, provided each trip respects the permitted reasons and stay duration.
| Item | What to remember |
| Fee | £16 |
| Validity | 2 years or passport expiry |
| Entries | Multiple journeys allowed |
| Maximum stay | Up to 6 months for eligible visits |
For frequent travellers, this makes the ETA relatively easy to integrate into routine planning. For occasional visitors, it’s simply an extra box to tick before departure.
One practical tip: use only official government channels to apply. Some third-party websites charge higher fees for completing the same process.
How to apply without creating problems for yourself
Applications are made through GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app. Many applicants receive decisions quickly, but processing times can vary, so applying early remains the safest option.
Before starting, prepare:
- The exact passport you will travel with.
- A stable internet connection.
- A few quiet minutes to review your details carefully.
The simple checklist that prevents most issues
- Use the same passport for application and travel.
- Double-check your passport number and personal details.
- Save your confirmation somewhere accessible.
- Each traveller, including children, needs their own ETA if required.
Most complications are not complex legal issues. They are small input errors or forgotten renewals.
Where people get caught out
Weekend trips
Short city breaks create a false sense of simplicity. The UK feels close, familiar and easy. That’s exactly when travellers forget the ETA step.
Train and ferry travel
The requirement does not depend on flying. Cross-border rail or sea travel still falls under the same rules. Boarding checks can happen regardless of the transport mode.
Frequent work travel
If you travel often, the ETA can feel invisible after the first trip. The real risk appears later, when it expires or when you renew your passport and assume everything carries over automatically.
Transit cases
Some transit situations may differ depending on whether you pass through UK border control. If your itinerary involves connections, check your specific case carefully before departure.
The practical takeaway
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Treat the ETA as part of your booking process. As soon as you confirm your transport, confirm your authorisation. That small habit removes nearly all stress from the equation.
The UK remains accessible for short stays, but the rules are more structured than they used to be. Five minutes of preparation can protect an entire trip.
