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The UK government has confirmed that foreign nationals who can visit the United Kingdom (UK) without a visa may still need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling.
It was reported that the requirement, which has been in place for eligible visa-exempt travelers since February 25, 2026, was recently highlighted on the official GOV.UK channel on X.
What does UK ETA cover?
An approved ETA allows eligible visitors to enter the UK for up to six months at a time for tourism and other permitted purposes.
The authorization costs £20 and is valid for two years from the date of approval or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Travelers can make multiple trips to the UK during that validity period, as long as they meet the entry requirements each time.
Applicants can apply using the official UK ETA app or the government’s website.
The government advised travelers to avoid third-party platforms, which frequently charge additional fees for processing applications that can be completed for free through official channels.
Who needs an ETA and who doesn’t?
The ETA is only for nationals of countries that can visit the UK without a visa. It does not apply to British or Irish citizens, nor to those who are eligible for an exemption under separate regulations.
Nigerian nationals are generally required to apply for a standard UK visitor visa rather than an ETA.
Before booking any trip, the government recommends that all travelers use its official visa-checking tool to confirm which permissions apply to their nationality.
It is also important to understand that an approved ETA does not guarantee entry. Border officers will continue to assess whether a traveler meets all immigration requirements upon arrival in the UK.
The ETA only allows a person to travel to the country; border officials at the point of arrival make the final decision on entry. Check the full post here.