Do Brazil passport holders need a visa to visit United Kingdom?

Brazilian ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for short UK tourist visits, but since 8 January 2025 they MUST obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. From 25 February 2026 the ETA is fully enforced — carriers will not let you board without one. Brazil is on the UK's visa-exempt (non-visa national) list for visits, so Brazilian ordinary passport holders can enter for tourism, visiting family/friends, business, study, or transit for up to 6 months without a traditional visa. However, since the ETA scheme opened to Brazilians on 27 November 2024 (for travel on or after 8 January 2025), an approved ETA is required before departure. The ETA costs £20, is digitally linked to your passport, permits multiple trips of up to 6 months each, and is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first). Most decisions are automatic within minutes, but officially allow up to 3 working days. Critically, from 25 February 2026 the UK fully enforces the rule: travellers without an approved ETA (or eVisa) will be refused boarding on planes, trains and ferries to the UK. An ETA is a travel authorisation, not a visa, and does not guarantee entry — a Border Force officer makes the final decision.