EU , EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. In other cases, find out if you need to apply for a visa to enter the UK . You can cross the UK border using a valid passport which should be valid for the whole time you are in the UK .

In 2026, EU citizens can still travel to the United Kingdom for tourism or short-term stays (up to six months) without a traditional visa, but they are now legally required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). As of February 25, 2026, the UK government has fully enforced this digital permission system for all non-visa national visitors, including those from the European Union, the United States, and Canada. The ETA costs £16, is digitally linked to your passport, and is valid for two years or until the passport expires. It is mandatory for all entries, including transit through UK airports. Travelers are advised to apply at least three working days before departure, as airlines are required to check for this digital authorization before boarding. While the process is not a "visa" in the traditional sense, failure to have an approved ETA will result in a denial of boarding or entry at the border, marking a significant shift in UK border security post-Brexit.