A blog post dated 7 March 2026 on specialist site ETA-England reiterates that nationals of all European Economic Area states, Switzerland and several micro-states must hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation before boarding transport to the U.K. for stays of up to six months. Although the requirement has been phased-in since 2025, carriers report a fresh wave of refusals as spring travel picks up.
An ETA costs £10, is valid for two years and can be obtained via a mobile app or the GOV.UK portal. The post reminds passengers that without an approved ETA carriers will deny boarding; arrival at the border without one is no longer possible. Travellers whose passport expires within two years must apply again once a new document is issued.
![Reminder: European travellers now need an ETA before visiting the U.K.]()
For corporate travel managers the message is clear: integrate ETA checks into booking workflows and traveller-tracking tools, much as U.S. ESTA and Canada eTA have long been embedded. Failure to do so can cause missed meetings and last-minute re-ticketing costs.
EU clients visiting U.K. offices should be briefed well ahead of trips, and event organisers should add ETA guidance to invitations, especially for conferences scheduled after Easter.
An ETA costs £10, is valid for two years and can be obtained via a mobile app or the GOV.UK portal. The post reminds passengers that without an approved ETA carriers will deny boarding; arrival at the border without one is no longer possible. Travellers whose passport expires within two years must apply again once a new document is issued.
For corporate travel managers the message is clear: integrate ETA checks into booking workflows and traveller-tracking tools, much as U.S. ESTA and Canada eTA have long been embedded. Failure to do so can cause missed meetings and last-minute re-ticketing costs.
EU clients visiting U.K. offices should be briefed well ahead of trips, and event organisers should add ETA guidance to invitations, especially for conferences scheduled after Easter.
Source: ETA-England blog
