The UK Home Office has confirmed 25 February 2026 as the go-live date for its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, bringing Australians and citizens of 84 other visa-exempt nations under a US-style pre-clearance regime. From that date, Australians visiting for up to six months – whether for tourism, business meetings, short-term study or paid engagements – must secure an ETA online or via an app, pay a £16 fee and receive digital approval linked to their passport.
Airlines will be legally required to verify ETA status at check-in, with carriers that board non-compliant passengers facing fines. The Home Office argues the measure will strengthen border security by enabling risk-based screening before travellers board. Travel industry bodies, however, warn that the fee amounts to a ‘tourist tax’ and that last-minute travellers could be caught out by the 72-hour processing advice.
![UK sets 25 February 2026 start date for mandatory ETA, affecting Australian travellers]()
For corporate mobility programs the impact is immediate: traveller profiles and online booking tools must capture ETA reference numbers, and HR policies will need to spell out who pays the fee. Some firms are exploring bulk purchase of pre-paid credit cards to avoid reimbursement delays.
Travel risk managers should also note that transiting through the UK without clearing immigration will still require an ETA, closing a long-standing loophole. Frequent flyers are advised to apply well ahead of multi-leg trips that rely on Heathrow or Gatwick as connection hubs.
With more than 700,000 Australians visiting the UK annually pre-pandemic, the ETA is set to become a routine – if unpopular – addition to the travel checklist. The government has not ruled out reciprocal measures for UK citizens if partner nations introduce similar schemes.
Airlines will be legally required to verify ETA status at check-in, with carriers that board non-compliant passengers facing fines. The Home Office argues the measure will strengthen border security by enabling risk-based screening before travellers board. Travel industry bodies, however, warn that the fee amounts to a ‘tourist tax’ and that last-minute travellers could be caught out by the 72-hour processing advice.
For corporate mobility programs the impact is immediate: traveller profiles and online booking tools must capture ETA reference numbers, and HR policies will need to spell out who pays the fee. Some firms are exploring bulk purchase of pre-paid credit cards to avoid reimbursement delays.
Travel risk managers should also note that transiting through the UK without clearing immigration will still require an ETA, closing a long-standing loophole. Frequent flyers are advised to apply well ahead of multi-leg trips that rely on Heathrow or Gatwick as connection hubs.
With more than 700,000 Australians visiting the UK annually pre-pandemic, the ETA is set to become a routine – if unpopular – addition to the travel checklist. The government has not ruled out reciprocal measures for UK citizens if partner nations introduce similar schemes.
