While Britons are getting to grips with the new EES entry and exit scheme when travelling to destinations like Spain and other Schengen Area countries, travellers to the UK will have to comply with the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from February next year. Starting February 2026, the UK will enforce a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visitors from 85 countries, such as Spain.
This marks a significant shift in UK immigration policy, designed to streamline travel processes and safeguard the nation’s borders. The Home Office anticipates that implementing this ETA will enhance security by improving identity verification before arrival. There are some people who do not need an ETA, for example if you have: a British or Irish passport or permission to live, work or study in the UK.
Launched in October 2023, it has not been strictly enforced to allow travellers time to adjust to the new rules. But this is set to change early next year, according to the UK government. The ETA is a digital permit for short stays in the UK - not a visa or tax.
It only applies to travellers who don’t already need a visa, like those from the EU, Canada and the US. It allows visitors to stay in the UK for up to six months to visit family or for tourism purposes. Visitors can apply for an ETA through the official UK ETA app, which is available both on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The application currently costs £16 (€18.20).
Travellers can also apply through the UK government’s website if they do not have access to a smartphone. Contact and passport details, as well as a valid photo, are required. Most people get a decision automatically in a few minutes; however, the government recommends that travellers allow for three working days for cases which need additional review.
In the meantime, there do appear to be a few snags with the EES for Britons arriving in Spain.
One British home owner in Mallorca contacted the Bulletin to issue a warning to fellow travellers arriving in Palma. He stated: “I’ve just come through passport control at PMI - as a resident card holder (by investment) and there is real confusion as to whether or not as a British passport holder you need to register on the new system and then do you still get your passport stamped and as you go through the electronic gates are they clocking the days which could leave you in real trouble, even if you are a Visa holder? They were plenty more like me in the same boat. They just don’t seem to know what they’re doing.”