If you’re an Australian citizen with an Australian passport, then you’ve enjoyed a good run of visa- and fee-free travel to a lot of countries. But times are changing. As of February 25, 2026, Aussies will no longer be able to travel to the UK fee-free. 

Those looking to holiday in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will have to acquire an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is a form that must be completed online and approved before you board your flight to the UK. Obtaining an ETA will cost approximately $32 and will be a required prerequisite for travellers as of February 25, 2026.  

Related story: Have you heard of Europe’s Golden Visa?

This ETA is not to be confused with the European Travel Information and Authorisation Sydney (ETIAS) visa waiver, which is required for Australian citizens holidaying in the European countries that are part of the Schengen zone – think France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and more. ETIAS will come into effect in late 2026 and will cost Aussies roughly $12. You can read more about ETIAS and how it could affect your travel plans here. 

If you are travelling between Europe and the United Kingdom on the same trip, you will need to pay for both an ETAs and ETIAS, as the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union. 

Online applications for ETAs are already open for those who are travelling early this year. The visa-waiver will cover multiple journeys to the UK and stays for up to six months over a two-year period, or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. 

What is a UK ETA and do you need one?

The United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital visa-waiver program. If you are travelling as an Australian citizen on an Australian passport to the UK from February 25, 2026, you will need to obtain an ETA before you board your flight to the UK. 

How do you apply for a UK ETA? 

You can apply for a UK ETA through the United Kingdom Government website or via the UK ETA app on your smartphone. To obtain a UK ETA, you will need a valid passport, digital photo and a credit or debit card to pay the £16 fee. It will take approximately three business days to have your application assessed and approved. You should not leave your ETA to the last minute, as you will need it to board your flight, and one cannot be obtained instantaneously.

For more information, visit apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk

Related story: Venice will make day tourists pay entry fee tax in 2024