Planning a trip to the UK? There is an important new rule. The UK now uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA. Since 25 February 2026, many visitors from countries that do not usually need a visa must get this digital permission before they travel. If they do not have an ETA, a visa, or another valid travel document, airlines can stop them from boarding. Japan is on the official list of nationalities that can apply for an ETA now. (gov.uk)
So, what is an ETA? It is not a visa. It is a simple online permission to travel to the UK for a short stay. With an ETA, you can usually stay for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family or friends, a business trip, or short-term study. But an ETA does not guarantee entry. A border officer still makes the final decision when you arrive. Also, each traveler needs an ETA, even babies and children. Some people do not need one, such as British or Irish citizens, people who already have a UK visa or UK immigration permission, and some passengers who stay airside when changing planes. (gov.uk)
Applying is quite easy. You can use the official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website. You need the passport you will travel with, an email address, and a way to pay, such as a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. You also need to upload or take photos of the passport and the traveler’s face. The fee is £16. After you apply, the decision usually comes by email within a day, but the government says you should contact UK Visas and Immigration if you do not get a decision after 3 working days. (gov.uk)
The ETA is linked digitally to your passport, so when you travel, you normally only need to show that passport. It stays valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires, and you can make multiple trips while it is valid. For Japanese travelers, the lesson is simple: do not leave this until the last minute. Apply early, check your passport carefully, and then enjoy your UK adventure with less stress and more excitement. (gov.uk)










