Are you travelling to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland soon? Then make sure you have the necessary travel documents with you, because from 25 February, British immigration services will be tightening checks on the digital ETA travel document. Non-Brits who travel to the UK and cannot present this document or a visa will not be allowed to enter the country.
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UK visitors watch out! Stricter checks on ETA travel documents have started!
Colin Clapson
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The ETA (or “electronic travel authorisation”) document has long been mandatory for people from 85 countries who are making a short trip (up to 6 months) to the UK and do not require a visa. Belgians have been required to purchase the electronic entry document since April 2025. It currently costs £16 (just over €18) and is valid for 2 years.
Until now, checks have not been very strict, ‘to give visitors enough time to adapt to the new requirements’. But that will change from today.
People who do not hold British or Irish nationality and who do not have an ETA (or a visa) at the time of departure will not be allowed to board a plane, train or boat to the UK. ‘Travellers will be checked before they travel,’ the British government says.
Eurostar, which runs high speed rail services between Brussels and London, the British capital, confirms this. ‘Unless you are exempt, you will not be able to travel to the United Kingdom without a valid ETA or visa from 25 February 2026. Make sure you have all the necessary documents with you for your journey,’ states the operator's website.
What is an ETA?
People can apply for an ETA online. Confirmation usually follows within a few minutes, although the government recommends allowing three working days for a decision to be made. The document is valid for two years.
The ETA can be used for most short trips to the United Kingdom. People who will be staying in the UK for more than 6 months, want to work or study there, usually need to apply for a visa. People who have a visa do not need an ETA. British and Irish citizens are exempt but need to be able to produce a valid British or Irish passport. Dual nationals will need to present a British or Irish passport.
If you have any specific questions about the exact conditions regarding electronic travel authorisation, please visit the British government website .