The United Kingdom has overhauled its entry system in 2026. The new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) now applies to all visa-exempt visitors, while the traditional visa routes remain for those who need them. Whether you're visiting London for a weekend or planning a longer stay, here's everything you need to know.
As of 2026, all visitors who previously didn't need a visa to enter the UK now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This includes citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Brazil, EU countries, and all other visa-exempt nationalities.
The ETA is not a visa β it's a digital pre-screening similar to the US ESTA. You apply online, pay Β£10, and receive approval (usually within hours). It's valid for 2 years and allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each.
Most applications are approved within 3 working days, but it can take up to 3 business days in complex cases. Apply before booking flights β airlines will check your ETA status before boarding.
If your nationality is not visa-exempt, you'll need a Standard Visitor Visa. This applies to citizens of many Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries. Key details:
Planning to stay longer than 6 months? The UK offers several routes:
The UK is not part of the Schengen Area or the EU. A Schengen visa does not grant access to the UK, and vice versa. If you're planning a Europe trip that includes the UK, you may need both an ETA (for the UK) and a Schengen visa or ETIAS (for EU countries). Use VisaCompass to check requirements for both destinations based on your nationality.