Finland Joins Greece, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Bahrain, Singapore, And More As The UK Enforces A New ETA Requirement For Nationals From Visa-Exempt Countries, Beginning February 2026

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Finland joins Greece, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Bahrain, Singapore, and more as the UK enforces a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for nationals from visa-exempt countries, beginning February 2026. This significant change will require travelers from over 85 nations, including those previously able to visit the UK without a visa, to apply for an ETA before entering the country. The move aims to enhance border security, streamline entry processes, and ensure that travelers meet all necessary criteria before boarding flights, ferries, or trains to the UK.

In a significant shift that will affect millions of travelers, the United Kingdom has announced the expansion of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which will come into force on February 25, 2026. Under the new regulations, nationals from a wide range of countries—many of whom previously enjoyed visa-free access—will now be required to apply for an ETA before traveling to the UK. This move has garnered attention not only for its broad scope but also for its potential to impact travelers from numerous nations, including Finland, Greece, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Bahrain, Singapore, and more.

What Is the UK ETA and Why Is It Being Introduced?

The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorization system designed to streamline the entry process for nationals from countries that do not require a visa to enter the UK for short stays. Under the new rules, travelers from these visa-exempt countries will have to apply for an ETA before boarding their flight, ferry, or train to the UK. The ETA will essentially function as a pre-screening tool to enhance border security and ensure that travelers meet all the necessary criteria for entry into the country.

The introduction of the ETA system comes as part of a broader strategy to modernize the UK’s immigration system, which is in line with similar measures adopted by other countries. The government has cited the need to improve national security, reduce illegal immigration, and better manage the flow of tourists and business travelers into the country. The system will help UK authorities screen passengers before they arrive, ensuring smoother entry procedures upon arrival.

Countries Affected by the New ETA Requirement

The UK’s new ETA requirement is set to affect nationals from over 85 countries, including Finland, Greece, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Bahrain, and Singapore. These nations have long been part of the UK’s visa-exempt list, meaning their citizens were previously able to travel to the UK for short stays without needing to apply for a visa.

Countries affected by the ETA requirement include:

• Finland
• Greece
• Spain
• Canada
• Mexico
• Bahrain
• Singapore
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South Korea
• Hong Kong

Additionally, a host of other nations from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas will be impacted by this change. For many of these countries, the UK has been a popular destination for tourism, business, and family visits. With the introduction of the ETA system, nationals from these countries will no longer enjoy unrestricted access to the UK, as they must now secure approval to enter.

How the ETA System Will Work

The ETA system is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Travelers will apply online through the UK government’s official website, providing necessary details such as their personal information, travel itinerary, and passport details. The process is expected to be quick, with most applications being processed within minutes. However, travelers are advised to apply for their ETA well in advance of their travel date, as some applications may require additional processing time.

The ETA will be electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, meaning there is no need for a physical visa sticker. Once granted, the ETA will allow travelers to enter the UK for up to six months, either for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The system is expected to be particularly beneficial for travelers from countries that traditionally have high volumes of short-term visitors, as it will reduce the burden on immigration officers and speed up the entry process.

However, there are several important things travelers need to know before applying for their ETA:

1. It’s Mandatory: The ETA is mandatory for nationals from countries on the list. Travelers who fail to secure an ETA before their trip may be denied boarding at their departure airport or port.
2. It’s Not a Visa: The ETA is not a full visa and does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the UK. It’s specifically for short-term visits.
3. Fee for the ETA: Travelers will be required to pay a small fee to apply for an ETA. Although the exact cost has not yet been finalized, it is expected to be lower than the cost of a full visa, offering a more affordable and efficient way to travel to the UK.

Impact on Specific Countries: Finland, Greece, Spain, and More

While the new ETA requirement will affect travelers from over 85 countries, the implications are particularly significant for nations like Finland, Greece, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Bahrain, and Singapore, as these countries have traditionally seen high levels of travel to the UK. Let’s take a closer look at how this new policy will impact travelers from these countries:

Finland

Finland’s inclusion in the ETA list is noteworthy because Finnish citizens have long enjoyed visa-free access to the UK. Finland is one of the most well-connected countries in Europe, with frequent flights to London and other major UK cities. The introduction of the ETA will require Finnish nationals to rethink their travel plans and ensure they apply for the authorization before booking their tickets. The new system will add an extra step to their travel process, potentially causing delays for those used to spontaneous trips to the UK.

Greece

Similarly, Greece has long been part of the UK’s visa-exempt list, with millions of Greek nationals traveling to the UK for tourism, business, and family visits each year. Greece is a major tourist hub in Europe, and many British tourists also visit Greece each year. The new ETA requirement will likely cause some confusion among Greek travelers, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the new rules. The Greek government is expected to issue guidance to ensure that citizens are aware of the change and apply for their ETA ahead of time.

Spain

Spain, one of the most visited countries by UK tourists, will also be impacted by the new ETA requirement. Spanish nationals, who have long enjoyed unrestricted travel to the UK, will now need to apply for an ETA before visiting the country. Spain has a strong relationship with the UK, with many families, businesses, and students having ties across both countries. The introduction of the ETA could lead to some delays in travel, as Spanish nationals will now need to factor in the application process before their trip.

Canada

Canada, a country with close ties to the UK, will also see its citizens affected by the ETA requirement. Canadians frequently travel to the UK for both business and leisure, with London being a major hub for Canadian expats and students. The introduction of the ETA will add a layer of complexity to the travel process for Canadian nationals, though it is expected that the online application system will make the process relatively straightforward.

Mexico

Mexico’s inclusion on the ETA list is significant given the large number of Mexican nationals who visit the UK each year. The introduction of the ETA system will require Mexican travelers to secure authorization before entering the UK, potentially leading to confusion, particularly for those who travel frequently or on short notice. Mexico has strong cultural and economic ties with the UK, and the new ETA requirement will impact both tourism and business travel between the two countries.

Bahrain and Singapore

Both Bahrain and Singapore are known for their well-developed infrastructure and robust international travel networks. As countries with close business ties to the UK, travelers from Bahrain and Singapore frequently visit the UK for conferences, meetings, and educational opportunities. The introduction of the ETA will require nationals from both countries to apply for authorization before boarding flights, adding an extra step to their travel plans.

Challenges and Concerns

While the ETA system is being introduced to enhance security and streamline entry processes, there are concerns about its potential impact on travelers, particularly those from countries that have not previously required such a system. Critics argue that the additional step of applying for an ETA could complicate travel, especially for those who are not tech-savvy or familiar with the process.

There are also concerns about the costs associated with the ETA, especially for families or frequent travelers who may need to pay for multiple authorizations. Although the fee is expected to be relatively low, it may still be a burden for some individuals, particularly those traveling on tight budgets.

Moreover, the introduction of the ETA may cause delays at airports and other points of entry, as travelers will now need to ensure they have the proper documentation before departure. This could lead to longer check-in times and potential disruptions for travelers who fail to secure an ETA in advance.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

The UK’s introduction of the ETA system marks a shift in how the country manages border security and immigration. As the world continues to become more interconnected, governments are adopting new technologies to monitor and regulate the flow of people across borders. The ETA system is part of a broader trend of digital immigration tools, which also includes biometric screening, digital visas, and advanced passenger information systems.

For the UK, the ETA system represents a modern, efficient way to manage short-term visitors without imposing the administrative burden of full visa applications. It also helps to better assess the risks associated with travelers before they arrive in the country, enabling authorities to make more informed decisions about who can enter.

What Travelers Need to Know

Starting February 2026, travelers from over 85 countries will need to apply for a UK ETA before traveling to the UK. This change will require nationals from countries like Finland, Greece, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Bahrain, Singapore, and others to plan ahead and ensure they have the correct documentation before embarking on their journey.

The process is designed to be quick and efficient, with most applications processed within minutes. However, travelers should allow plenty of time to secure their ETA and avoid any potential travel disruptions. With the new system in place, travelers will be able to enjoy a smoother and more streamlined entry process, ensuring that they meet all the necessary requirements before arriving in the UK.

Finland joins Greece, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Bahrain, Singapore, and more as the UK enforces a new ETA requirement for nationals from visa-exempt countries starting February 2026. This measure is designed to strengthen border security and ensure smoother entry for travelers from these nations.

The introduction of the UK ETA system marks a significant change in the way the UK manages its borders. As millions of travelers from countries like Finland, Greece, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Bahrain, Singapore, and more prepare to apply for the new travel authorization, it is essential for travelers to stay informed and plan ahead. While the new system is expected to enhance security and streamline the entry process, it also brings with it new challenges and considerations. By understanding the requirements and applying for their ETA in advance, travelers can ensure a smoother and more hassle-free experience when visiting the UK.