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UK Introduces New Entry Requirements for Visa-Free Travellers, Details Released

Published 25 Jun 2026

by Ruth Sekyi reviewed by Bruce Douglas

2 min read

The United Kingdom implemented mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation for many visa-free global travellers
The digital permit costs £20, links directly to the holder's passport, and is valid for multiple entries over two years
Airlines have been authorised to deny boarding to any passenger who fails to obtain approval before departure

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The United Kingdom has officially introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for many international travellers who previously enjoyed visa-free entry.

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, mandatory ETA, UK travel requirements 2026, how to apply for ETA, UK border security, visa-free entry, ETA cost, boarding denied without ETA, international travellers, Ghanaian man UK — The UK, under King Charles, introduces a mandatory new entry requirement for visa-free travellers. Image credit: Reuters.
Source: UGC

The digital permit costs £20, links directly to the traveller's passport, and remains valid for multiple visits over two years, or until the passport expires.

According to a report shared on Instagram by London Travelers on June 24, 2026, tourists must obtain this permit before heading to the airport.

In addition, airlines have been instructed to deny boarding to any passengers arriving without a valid permit.

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The system is designed to strengthen border security while streamlining arrival procedures, and is not required for individuals who already hold a valid UK visa.

New UK entry requirement sparks reactions

The announcement has sparked numerous questions from global tourists planning upcoming trips to the UK.

YEN.com.gh has compiled some reactions to the post below:

Solbogliotti asked:

"How long in advance do you have to do it?"

kirjastostakindleen replied:

"They say, to be on the safe side, at least three days (72 hrs). I got mine last year in three minutes. 👍"

goddessofian inquired:

"I already hold a UK visa. Would this ETA still be required?"

matzefromhannover replied:

"No."

Ghanaian man, Yeboah in UK, relocation, financial payout to relocate, Ghana economic opportunities, cost of living abroad, UK to Ghana move, foreign currency, Ghana diaspora opinions — A Ghanaian man in the UK goes viral after rejecting £200,000 and opting for £50,000 to return home, saying it is enough to invest in Ghana. Image credit: iStock, Be Eazy, yabaleftonline/X
Source: UGC

Ghanaian man in UK rejects £200,000

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that a Ghanaian man living in the UK caused a stir online after declaring that he would gladly accept a financial payout to relocate to his home country permanently.

In a video shared on X on June 22, 2026, the man addressed an ongoing discussion about state-sponsored relocation incentives, explaining that a hypothetical offer was more than he would need.

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Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:

Ruth Sekyi (Entertainment Editor) Ruth Esi Amfua Sekyi is a Human Interest Editor at YEN.com.gh with 4+ years' experience across radio, print, TV, and digital media. She holds a B.A. in Communications (PR) from UNIMAC-IJ. Her media career began at Radio GIJ (campus radio), followed by Prime News Ghana. At InstinctWave, she worked on business content, playing major role in events organized by the company. She also worked with ABC News GH, updating their site, served as Production Assistant. In 2025, Ruth completed the ECOWAS, GIZ, and MFWA Information Integrity training. Email: ruth.sekyi@yen.com.gh

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