From 25 February 2026, Slovenian citizens and other EU nationals who currently travel to the United Kingdom without a visitor visa will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. The transition period that previously allowed travellers to enter without an approved ETA has now officially ended.

Travellers who do not hold a valid ETA, or another form of permission such as UK residency, will not be permitted to board their flight. Airlines are required to verify compliance before departure. The change forms part of the UK Government’s transition to a fully digital immigration system and enhanced border controls.

Who is affected?

The requirement applies to visa-exempt visitors travelling for short stays, including business travellers, academics, tourists, and participants in cultural or professional events. In practice, this means that most short-term visits from Slovenia to the UK will now require an approved ETA in advance.

Key information

The ETA is normally valid for two years and is linked to the passport used during the application. The current fee is £16, although this is subject to change. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, but a small number of cases may require manual review.

For that reason, travellers are advised to apply at least three working days before departure.

How to apply?

The application process is digital and straightforward:

1. Provide passport and contact details.
2. Upload a digital photograph that meets official specifications.
3. Pay the fee online.
4. Answer basic security and background questions.

The easiest way to apply is via the official UK ETA app or the official UK Government website on gov.uk.

Important: Avoid fraudulent websites

As the system expands globally, fraudulent websites have begun targeting travellers.

Applications should be submitted only via the official UK Government website or the official UK ETA app. The official fee is £16. Websites charging significantly more are not authorised and may either overcharge, submit incomplete applications, or misuse personal and financial data. The UK system does not offer priority processing or guaranteed approval, so any site claiming to do so should be treated with caution.

What businesses should do?

Companies whose employees travel to the UK for meetings, study visits, trade fairs, or commercial engagements should review their travel procedures now. Any trips from 25 February 2026 onwards will require an approved ETA before departure.

For full details and official guidance, please visit gov.uk. Whether an ETA is sufficient for your purpose of travel or whether a visa may be required, please check here.