Omar El Sayed - World Editor

The United Kingdom is implementing a new electronic visa system, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), for visitors from countries that currently do not require a visa for short stays. Effective February 25, 2026, all U.S. Citizens traveling to the UK for tourism, family visits, business, or short-term study – even those simply transiting through – will be required to obtain an ETA prior to travel. This change aims to enhance border security and streamline the immigration process, according to officials.

The rollout of the ETA system marks a significant shift in UK entry requirements, aligning the country with similar programs in place in the United States and Australia. The UK government describes the ETA as a digital permission to travel, distinct from a visa and does not guarantee entry into the country. The cost of an ETA is currently £16, allowing multiple journeys to the UK over a two-year period, or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. More information about the application process can be found on the UK government website.

What is an ETA and Who Needs One?

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel document that grants permission to travel to the UK. It’s required for visitors who do not currently need a visa for short stays of up to six months. Eligible visitors include those traveling for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, conferences, or short-term study. The U.S. Embassy in the UK has issued a routine message detailing the new requirements, emphasizing that travelers without an approved ETA may be denied boarding by their airline or entry into the UK.

The requirement extends to travelers who are merely transiting through the UK, specifically those who pass through UK passport control. But, those transiting through Heathrow and Manchester airports without going through passport control are currently exempt. British and Irish citizens, including those with dual citizenship, are not required to obtain an ETA and must travel with a valid UK or Irish passport.

How to Apply for an ETA

Applicants can apply for an ETA online or through the UK ETA app, available on both Google Play and the App Store. The application process requires the passport used for travel, an email address, and a valid credit or debit card. Applicants will need to upload or take photos of their face and passport during the application process. Applying for someone else is possible through the UK ETA app if they are present, or online if they are not. The UK government website provides detailed instructions on the application process.

According to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), most applicants receive a decision within a day, though it can take up to three working days. Applicants are advised to check their spam or junk email folders if they haven’t received a decision within the specified timeframe. The ETA reference number is 16 digits long and will be sent via email.

Geopolitical Context and Regional Stakes

The introduction of the ETA system reflects a broader global trend towards enhanced border security measures. Similar programs, such as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the United States and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) in Australia, aim to pre-screen travelers and identify potential security risks before they arrive. For the UK, this initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about national security and illegal immigration. The move is not expected to significantly impact diplomatic relations with the United States, given the reciprocal nature of border security measures between the two countries.

The timing of the rollout, just over a month after the initial announcement on February 12, 2026, has prompted some concern among travelers and travel agencies, as reported by Forbes and TravelPulse. Travelers are urged to apply for their ETA well in advance of their travel dates to avoid potential disruptions.

What to Expect Next

The UK government has indicated that the cost of an ETA may increase to £20 in the future, though a specific timeline has not yet been announced. Officials will likely monitor the implementation of the system closely and make adjustments as needed to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Travelers should continue to check the UK government website for the latest updates and guidance on the ETA requirements.

Have you already applied for your ETA? Share your experience in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone planning travel to the UK.

Navigating the financial implications of separation or divorce is a significant concern for many families, and understanding how child support is calculated is often a primary question. While the process aims for fairness, it’s rarely a simple equation, varying considerably based on individual circumstances and state-specific guidelines.

Child support is fundamentally intended to ensure children maintain financial stability from both parents, even when living apart. It is not designed as a punitive measure against either parent, but rather as a means of continuing to meet a child’s needs for health, education, and general welfare, as defined by North Carolina law.

Although online calculators can provide a preliminary estimate, these tools often lack the nuance to address complex financial situations or unique family dynamics. Legal counsel can be particularly valuable when income is irregular, parenting time is contested, or extraordinary expenses are involved. The North Carolina Child Support Enforcement Agency offers services to assist parents in establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders, available to both parents and non-parent caretakers of minor children.

Each state establishes its own child support guidelines, typically codified in statutes or administrative rules. These guidelines serve as the starting point for courts determining support obligations. The core principle is to estimate the combined parental income that would have been available to the child had the family remained intact, then allocate responsibility for that amount between the parents.

Income is the most crucial factor in these calculations. Courts generally consider gross income, encompassing wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment earnings. Other income sources, such as rental income or certain benefits, may also be included. If a parent is unemployed or deliberately underemployed, the court may impute income based on their earning potential, rather than their current earnings.

The amount of time each parent spends with the child can also influence the support calculation. States vary in their approach, but generally, a more equal division of parenting time may result in lower support payments from one parent to the other. Conversely, when one parent has primary physical custody, the other typically contributes more financially, recognizing the custodial parent bears the majority of day-to-day expenses.

Existing child support obligations for children from previous relationships are also considered. Courts may adjust income figures to account for these existing legal responsibilities, aiming to balance support across all dependents. This doesn’t diminish support for the current child, but it influences the overall distribution of financial responsibility.

Judges retain the discretion to deviate from the established guidelines when special circumstances warrant. Extraordinary medical expenses, unique educational needs, or situations where strict application of the formula would yield an unfair result can all justify a deviation. Any such adjustments are typically documented in writing, outlining the rationale behind the decision.

Calculating child support can be particularly complex for self-employed individuals or those with fluctuating incomes. Courts may review tax returns, business records, or multiple years of earnings to determine a realistic and stable income level. This approach aims to create a support order that isn’t unduly affected by short-term income variations.

Child support orders are not immutable. Significant changes in circumstances – such as job loss, a substantial income increase, relocation, or alterations in custody arrangements – can warrant a modification. Courts require evidence of a substantial change before adjusting the order, then recalculate the amount using the current guidelines. Accurate documentation, including pay stubs, tax returns, and expense receipts, is essential throughout this process.

the goal of child support is to provide stability for the child, ensuring their ongoing needs are met regardless of their parents’ relationship status. While the calculation process can seem impersonal, it is designed to ensure both parents contribute fairly to the child’s well-being.