Due to your upcoming travels to the United Kingdom, we want to ensure you are aware of a significant change to entry requirements. Beginning February 25, 2026, visitors heading to the United Kingdom will now be required to fill out an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter.

What You Need to Know

• This becomes mandatory on February 25, 2026. Without an approved ETA, carriers will be legally required to deny boarding.
• Who Needs It: Visitors from 85 countries who previously traveled visa-free including travelers from the United States and Canada. This includes tourists, business travelers, and those transiting through UK airports.
• The Cost: The ETA costs £16 (approx. $20 USD).
• Validity: Once approved, your ETA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows for multiple entries.

How to Apply

The process is designed to be quick and digital. You can apply through the official UK ETA app (available on the App Store and Google Play) or via the official website.

You’ll Need:

• The passport you’ll travel with
• An email address
• A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

While most decisions are issued within minutes, the UK Home Office recommends applying at least three working days before your departure to account for any manual reviews.

You’ll get a decision by email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), usually within a day. If you have not received a decision after 3 working days, check your spam or junk email folder before contacting UKVI.

The email decision of approval will contain your 16 digit ETA reference number. Your ETA will be linked to the passport you applied with. You only need to show your passport when you travel to the UK.

We recommend applying for your ETA as soon as your travel dates are confirmed to ensure a seamless journey. If you have any questions regarding how this impacts your specific itinerary, please don't hesitate to reach out to your Boscov's Travel Advisor.

Safe travels always,

Your Boscov's Travel Team