Do Italian citizens need a visa to enter the UK? EU nationals, including Italian passport holders, do not need a UK visa from Italy and the rest of the EU. However, foreigners who can enter the UK without a visa will need to register with the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation for the UK) system.

Yes, in 2026, Italian citizens can travel to the UK for tourism or short business stays (up to six months) without a traditional visa, but they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). As of February 25, 2026, the UK government officially enforced the ETA requirement for all EU "non-visa nationals," including Italians. The ETA is a digital permission linked to your passport; it costs £16 and is generally valid for two years or until your passport expires. You must apply for the ETA through the "UK ETA app" or the official GOV.UK website at least three days before you travel. Without a valid ETA, airlines will deny you boarding at Italian airports. For stays involving work, long-term study, or permanent residency, a standard visa is still required under the UK's points-based immigration system. It is also important to remember that as of 2026, a valid national passport is required for entry; Italian national ID cards are no longer accepted for travel into the UK.