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 electronic permits in advance of their trips, 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).