Sri Lanka, Feb. 25 -- Starting on Feb 25, visitors to Britain from 85 countries must obtain an electronic permit in advance of their trip or they will be barred from travelling, the British Interior Ministry said.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme requires all visitors - including those from Singapore and Malaysia - who do not need a visa to enter Britain to purchase a pre-travel permit online at a cost of £16 (S$27).

It was introduced in 2023 and extended to European visitors in April 2025, but has not been strictly enforced.

However, from Feb 25, it will be mandatory for visitors to Britain to have obtained an ETA to travel.

This means that airlines will prevent passengers from boarding if they do not have an ETA...