- The UK government has confirmed that eligible travellers who do not need a visa must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or other valid travel permission before travelling to the country
- The ETA costs approximately £20, allows multiple trips over two years and does not guarantee entry, as border officers make the final decision
- Nigerian passport holders generally need a visitor visa instead of an ETA, and the government has warned travellers to avoid third-party websites when applying
Foreign nationals who can visit the United Kingdom without a visa may still need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, according to the UK government.
Source: Getty Images
The digital travel permission has been required for eligible visa-exempt visitors since February 25, 2026, under the rules outlined in the supplied report. The government has also reminded travelers that an ETA is not a visa and does not automatically guarantee entry into the country.
The requirement is particularly important for people planning holidays, family visits or other short stays in the UK, as travelers must confirm which immigration permission applies to their nationality before departure.
What does the UK ETA cover?
An approved ETA allows eligible travellers to visit the UK for up to six months at a time for tourism and other permitted activities, subject to the applicable immigration rules.
The authorization costs £20 (approximately KSh 3,400) and is generally valid for two years from approval or until the holder's passport expires, whichever happens first.
During its validity period, the ETA allows multiple trips to the UK. However, travelers must continue to meet the entry requirements on every visit.
Applicants can apply through the official UK ETA app or the government's website.
The UK government has also warned travelers to be cautious of third-party websites that offer to process applications for additional fees. Applicants can use official government channels to avoid unnecessary service charges and reduce the risk of falling victim to misleading websites.
Travelers should check the latest fee and application instructions on the official UK ETA website before applying.
Who needs a UK ETA and who is exempt?
The ETA requirement applies to eligible nationals who can travel to the UK without a visa for short visits.
British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. Other travellers may also qualify for exemptions under specific rules, depending on their nationality, immigration status and circumstances.
Foreign nationals should use the UK government's official visa-checking service to determine whether they need an ETA, a visitor visa or another form of permission.
An ETA is not a substitute for a visa when a traveller's nationality requires one.
Do Kenyans need a UK ETA or a visitor visa?
Kenyan citizens travelling on Kenyan passports generally need a Standard Visitor visa for holidays, family visits and other permitted short stays in the UK.
They should apply through the official UK visa application process and meet the relevant requirements. These may include providing information about the purpose of the visit, accommodation, finances and plans to leave the UK at the end of the authorised stay.
The ETA is intended for eligible visa-exempt nationalities, so Kenyan travellers should not apply for one on the assumption that it replaces a visitor visa.
Before making travel arrangements, applicants can use the UK government's official visa-checking service to confirm which permission applies to their circumstances.
Does an approved UK ETA guarantee entry?
No. An approved ETA authorises an eligible traveller to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee admission at the border.
Border officials can still assess whether a person meets the country's immigration requirements when they arrive. Travellers must comply with the conditions applicable to their visit and may be asked questions about their purpose of travel and intended stay.
The distinction is important: having an ETA does not give a traveller an unconditional right to enter the UK.
Before departure, visitors should confirm that their passport is valid, that they have the correct travel permission and that they can meet the relevant entry conditions.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, travellers should consult the official UK government ETA guidance and its visa-checking service.
Read the UK authorities’ post in full on visiting the UK without a visa below via X:
UK lists countries eligible for visa-free travel
TUKO.co.ke reported that the United Kingdom allows citizens of 82 countries to travel to Britain using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead of a traditional visitor visa.
Eligible travellers can use the ETA for tourism, short-term study and certain business visits.
Kenyan and Nigerian passport holders generally need to follow the standard visa application process for UK visits.
Source: Legit.ng