The United Kingdom will introduce a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026 for citizens of 85 visa-exempt nations—including Australia—adding a new pre-departure step for millions of travellers.
Under the scheme, Australians visiting the UK for tourism, business, family or study of up to six months must apply online via an app or website, pay a £16 fee and receive digital approval linked to their passport. Airlines will be obliged to confirm ETA status at check-in, mirroring US ESTA and Canadian eTA systems.
![UK to Require Electronic Travel Authorisation from Australians From Feb 2026]()
For corporate mobility programs the change means traveller profiles and online booking tools must capture ETA reference numbers in addition to Advance Passenger Information. Last-minute trips could be jeopardised if an executive forgets to apply, so organisations are building automated reminders into travel-approval workflows and considering bulk-purchase of pre-paid credit cards to cover the fee.
The UK Home Office argues the ETA will strengthen border security and allow risk-based screening before travellers board. Critics in the UK tourism sector warn the fee amounts to a new ‘tourist tax’ that could deter spontaneous short-haul visits, though at £16 it is cheaper than many comparable schemes.
Australian passport-holders already accustomed to ESTA-style clearances for the US are unlikely to face major hurdles, but advisors recommend applying at least 72 hours before departure and ensuring the same passport is used for both the application and travel. Those transiting the UK on business class ‘stopovers’ will also require an ETA, closing a loophole that previously allowed airside transfers without documentation.
Under the scheme, Australians visiting the UK for tourism, business, family or study of up to six months must apply online via an app or website, pay a £16 fee and receive digital approval linked to their passport. Airlines will be obliged to confirm ETA status at check-in, mirroring US ESTA and Canadian eTA systems.
For corporate mobility programs the change means traveller profiles and online booking tools must capture ETA reference numbers in addition to Advance Passenger Information. Last-minute trips could be jeopardised if an executive forgets to apply, so organisations are building automated reminders into travel-approval workflows and considering bulk-purchase of pre-paid credit cards to cover the fee.
The UK Home Office argues the ETA will strengthen border security and allow risk-based screening before travellers board. Critics in the UK tourism sector warn the fee amounts to a new ‘tourist tax’ that could deter spontaneous short-haul visits, though at £16 it is cheaper than many comparable schemes.
Australian passport-holders already accustomed to ESTA-style clearances for the US are unlikely to face major hurdles, but advisors recommend applying at least 72 hours before departure and ensuring the same passport is used for both the application and travel. Those transiting the UK on business class ‘stopovers’ will also require an ETA, closing a loophole that previously allowed airside transfers without documentation.
