United Kingdom: 23.2 million ETAs Issued in One Year; U.S. Citizens Still Top the List

On August 27, 2026, the British Home Office released new figures on the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). According to the data, a total of 23.2 million ETAs were issued between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. This figure is lower than the 25.1 million reported for the 12-month period ending in March 2026—a decrease of approximately 7.6 percent between the two rolling 12-month periods.

The ETA is an electronic entry authorization that applies to visa-exempt travelers who wish to visit the United Kingdom for a short stay and do not yet have British residency status. Since February 25, 2026, the ETA has been mandatory for all affected travelers prior to departure—those who cannot present a valid entry permit risk being denied boarding. The authorization applies not only to Great Britain itself but also to travel to Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man. In April 2026, the fee was also increased from 16 to 20 British pounds per application.

Year-over-year decline, but no clear indication of reduced travel

A closer analysis of Home Office data shows that exactly 23,177,486 ETAs were issued between July 2025 and June 2026, compared with 25,089,174 in the 12-month period ending in March 2026. However, this decline cannot automatically be equated with a comparable decline in actual travel to the United Kingdom, as the comparison spans different phases of the phased rollout of the ETA system, and seasonal effects as well as shifts in the rollout schedule play a role.

According to the statistics, U.S. citizens remain by far the largest group of ETA users, followed by German and French citizens. This ranking underscores how strongly North American and European travel flows shape the British entry system and how important a smooth, error-free application process is for frequent travelers from these countries.

For travelers, the mandatory ETA means one thing above all else: Anyone wishing to travel visa-free to the United Kingdom, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man must have the authorization in hand before departure. It is not possible to apply spontaneously at the airport or after arrival. Given the increased fee and strict formal requirements, it is worth preparing the application early and carefully to avoid delays or rejection.

If you’d like an overview of the various entry and residence categories available, you’ll find relevant information on the respective requirements in our overview of all visa types. Travelers can submit the actual application conveniently and without having to visit government offices using our online application form, where we review the documents and handle the entire process for you.