From Wednesday, February 25, 2026, citizens of European Union countries, including Poland, must possess an electronic travel authorization called ETA to cross the UK border. The new requirement applies to 85 countries and ends the era of free travel for tourists and those on short business trips. Lack of digital authorization results in an automatic ban from boarding a plane or Eurostar train.

New paid requirement

Citizens of EU countries must now possess a paid ETA authorization before crossing the UK border.

Problem for dual nationals

Individuals with British citizenship traveling on foreign passports must have an ETA or a British passport.

Verification by carrier

Airlines and ferry operators are obligated to check passengers' ETA status before the start of travel.

Processing time

A decision on granting an ETA takes up to 3 business days, and the document is valid for 2 years.

The United Kingdom is definitively closing the process of digitizing its borders by introducing, from February 25, 2026, the mandatory possession of ETA for citizens of 85 countries, including all EU member states. The authorization, which costs about £10 (approx. 50 złoty or 19 euros), is required for every traveler, including newborns and the elderly. The system aims to tighten border controls and enable the British Home Office to conduct preliminary verification of individuals arriving in the country before their actual arrival. After leaving the European Union in 2020, the United Kingdom regained full control over its immigration policy. The introduction of the ETA system is the culmination of the London government's strategy, which aims to create a border system modeled on the American (ESTA) or Australian systems, thereby increasing national security. A particularly problematic situation concerns individuals with dual citizenship who reside outside the British Isles. The Home Office warns that British citizens traveling solely on a foreign passport (e.g., a Polish one) may be denied entry to the United Kingdom if they do not purchase an ETA. To avoid fees and complications, authorities strongly recommend using a British passport. At the same time, air and sea carriers have been obligated to rigorously check for possession of the authorization under threat of severe financial penalties, which may lead to longer processing times at airports. 10 funtów — cost of a single ETA authorization valid for two years Only Irish citizens are exempt from the requirement, guaranteed by the Common Travel Area, and individuals with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. However, experts point out that even residents should ensure their passport data is updated in digital systems to avoid errors during automatic verification. The entire application process takes place online or via a mobile app, and a decision is typically issued within three business days. „This is a major milestone in our plan to transform the border, making it more secure and modern for all travellers.” — UK Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media focus on the difficulties for families and dual nationals, as well as the costs for tourists. Conservative media emphasize increased security and the regaining of full control over border sovereignty.

Mentioned People