UK to Require ETA for Visa-Free Travellers From Kenya Starting February 2026 । Flightnews24

What the UK ETA covers

The ETA is a digital travel permission allowing eligible travellers to visit the UK for up to six months for:

Tourism

Visiting family and friends

Business travel

Short-term study

It can also be used for:

Up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession

Permitted paid engagements

Transit through UK airports when passing through border control

Cost, how to apply, and processing time

According to UK immigration guidance, the ETA costs Ksh2,785 (£16) and must be applied for online or via the official UK ETA app. Applicants are advised to avoid third-party websites that may charge inflated fees or mimic official services.

Most applicants should receive a decision by email within one day, along with a 16-digit ETA reference number. If a decision does not arrive after three working days, travellers are advised to contact UK Visas and Immigration.

ETA is not a guarantee of entry

Holding an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Border officers make the final decision at the point of arrival.

Who is exempt — and who must apply

The High Commission said the ETA will not be required for:

British or Irish passport holders

Individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK

Every traveller must have their own ETA, including babies and children, although one person can apply on behalf of others.

The ETA is electronically linked to the passport used during the application, meaning travellers do not need to carry a separate document. It remains valid for two years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first) and allows multiple trips during that period.

What an ETA does not allow

The ETA does not permit travellers to:

Stay longer than six months

Take regular paid or unpaid work

Claim public benefits

Live in the UK through frequent or successive visits

Marry or register a civil partnership

Applicants were also cautioned that fees are non-refundable once the application is submitted.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced key deadlines for the current Umrah season, specifying that the issuance of Umrah visas will end on the first day of Shawwal. Pilgrims will be permitted to enter the Kingdom until Shawwal 15, while all Umrah pilgrims must depart by the first day of Dhul Qada.

The announcement was made during the ministry’s 17th periodic virtual meeting with licensed Umrah companies, held on Saturday. Officials used the session to reiterate compliance requirements ahead of the Hajj season, emphasizing that Hajj rituals must only be performed with a valid Hajj visa and not under an Umrah permit.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah praised service providers for their coordination during Ramadan, highlighting their role in assisting pilgrims, resolving cases involving stranded visitors, and ensuring their safe return home.

He also called for continued adherence to operational guidelines, including managing staggered arrival schedules at airports and regularly updating departure information through the Nusk Masar platform.

In addition, the minister encouraged companies to take part in the third Umrah and Visit Forum scheduled for 2026, aimed at strengthening collaboration and sharing expertise across the sector.

The meeting featured a review of performance indicators from the current Umrah season, along with discussions on preparations for the upcoming forum. Participants examined opportunities to enhance partnerships and improve service delivery for pilgrims.

These regular meetings form part of the ministry’s broader effort to maintain coordination with industry stakeholders and to advance service standards, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to improve the overall experience for Umrah pilgrims and visitors.