UK Enforces Digital Travel Permit Requirement for Foreign Visitors

Officials said the move aligns the UK with countries including the United States and Australia.

A member of the military at the passport control at Manchester airport, Manchester, England, on Dec. 28, 2022. Peter Powell/PA

Visitors to the UK from 85 countries must now obtain an electronic permit in advance of their trip, or they will be barred from traveling, the UK interior ministry said in a Feb. 24 statement.

Effective from Feb. 25, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme requires all visitors who do not need a visa to enter the UK to purchase a pre-travel permit online at a cost of 16 pounds ($21.57).