What is the ETA, the new mandatory requirement for traveling to the United Kingdom?

From February 25, 2026 , citizens of 85 visa-exempt nationalities , including Chile , will be required to have a valid ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before boarding in the United Kingdom , even if the trip is short or only includes a stopover .

The measure marks the end of the transition period and consolidates the UK's shift towards a 100% digital immigration system.

A key requirement that defines whether or not you can travel

From now on, airlines will be responsible for verifying that each passenger has an approved ETA or electronic visa before allowing boarding.

Those who do not meet this requirement are directly exposed to being denied boarding , even if they already have a ticket and a valid passport.

According to Mega , the UK Home Office confirmed that the requirement will apply to any entry into the country — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — whether for tourism, business, family visits or transit .

What is ETA and what is its purpose?

More than a traditional visa, the ETA is an electronic travel authorization digitally linked to the traveler's passport. Its main function is to allow British authorities to assess security risks before travel , streamlining border controls.

The system is similar to the United States' ESTA and collects biographical, biometric, and contact information, including a photograph of the applicant's face .

Although approval usually takes only minutes, the government recommends starting the process at least three business days in advance , in case of additional reviews.

Since its initial implementation in October 2023 , the impact has been massive: More than 13.3 million applications approved and 19.6 million authorizations issued between October 2023 and September 2025, figures that reflect the magnitude of the change in British migration control.

Requirements and how to apply for the ETA

The application is 100% online , through the official UK Government website or the UK ETA mobile app . To complete the process you will need:

• Valid passport
• Active email
• Credit or debit card
• Passport photograph
• Photograph of the applicant's face

The ETA is mandatory for all ages , including minors , and each traveler must have their own authorization.

What does an ETA allow and what does it not allow?

With an ETA you can:

• Travel to the United Kingdom for tourism, business or short-term studies (up to 6 months )
• To undertake a permitted paid commitment
• To travel through the country, even without going through border control

With an ETA you can't:

• Working or living in the United Kingdom
• Apply for public benefits
• Getting married or registering a civil union without a specific visitor visa

Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that having an ETA does not automatically guarantee entry : the final decision remains with the British Border Force officers .

Increased costs and contactless border

In addition to the mandatory nature of the document , its cost will increase . The ETA fee will rise from 16 to 20 pounds sterling , in line with the system's modernization process. The increase coincides with the date the requirement became mandatory, February 25.

This change is part of a plan to create a "contactless" border , based on biometric verification , facial recognition , and pre-travel digital checks. The official goal: to reduce lines , improve efficiency, and prevent immigration abuses .

Who is exempt from processing the ETA

Although the requirement extends to most visa-free countries, there are clear exceptions :

• British or Irish citizens
• Legal residents in the United Kingdom with valid permits
• Holders of passports from British Overseas Territories
• Travelers entering from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
• People with dual nationality that includes British or Irish nationality

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