If you are planning a trip to the UK, there is an important new rule to know. Many visitors, including people with Japanese passports, now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, before they travel. The UK began enforcing this rule on February 25, 2026, for non-visa nationals, and airlines can stop passengers from boarding if they do not have an ETA, an eVisa, or other valid travel permission. (gov.uk)

An ETA is not a visa. It is a digital permission to travel to the UK for short visits. You can use it for tourism, visiting family or friends, some business trips, short study, or some transit travel. Usually, it allows a stay of up to 6 months. However, it does not guarantee entry, because border officers still make the final decision when you arrive. (gov.uk)

The application is fairly simple. The official fee is £16, and you can apply on the UK ETA app or on the GOV.UK website. You need the passport you will travel with, an email address, and a way to pay. Each traveler needs their own ETA, even babies and children. The government says many people get a decision quickly, often within a day or even minutes, but it is still smart to allow up to 3 working days before your trip. (gov.uk)

Your ETA is linked to your passport. It usually lasts for 2 years or until that passport expires, whichever comes first, and you can visit the UK more than once during that time. If you get a new passport, you must get a new ETA. Some travelers do not need one, such as British and Irish citizens, people who already have a UK visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK, and some transit passengers who do not pass through border control. (gov.uk)

So, before you imagine riding a red bus in London or taking photos of Big Ben, take one small step first: check whether you need an ETA. It is a new part of UK travel, but if you prepare early, your trip can start smoothly.