eTA to United Kingdom

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a mandatory pre-travel digital permit required by citizens of 80+ visa-exempt countries before entering the United Kingdom.

It costs £20 from 8 April 2026 (previously £16), is valid for 2 years with multiple entries, and allows stays of up to 6 months per visit.

What Is the UK ETA?

The UK ETA is a mandatory digital travel permit required before visiting the United Kingdom for citizens of 80+ visa-exempt countries.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel permission system introduced by the UK Home Office in 2023.

It applies to nationals of countries that can visit the UK without a traditional visa — meaning travellers who previously could simply board a plane and arrive in the UK now need to obtain an ETA before they travel.

The UK ETA is not a visa. It is a separate, lighter-touch authorisation that is electronically linked to your passport. There is no physical sticker, stamp, or card — once approved, your ETA is stored digitally and checked automatically when you check in for your flight or arrive at the UK border.

The UK ETA covers all four nations of the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

How the UK ETA Works

The UK ETA works by linking your travel authorisation directly to your biometric passport number. When you apply, you submit your passport details and personal information online. Once approved, the authorisation is attached to your passport in the UK’s immigration database.

When you check in for a flight, ferry, or train to the UK, the carrier checks your passport against the database. If you have a valid UK ETA, you can board. If you do not, you may be denied boarding. This is why it is essential to apply before you travel — not on arrival.

Key facts about how the UK ETA works:

• 100% digital — no physical document issued
• Linked to your passport — if you renew your passport, you need a new ETA
• Checked automatically by airlines and carriers before boarding
• Does not guarantee entry — UK Border Force makes the final decision at the border

UK ETA vs UK Visa: Key Differences

The UK ETA and a UK visa are two different types of entry permission. Understanding the difference is important before you travel.

If you already hold a valid UK visa, you do not need a UK ETA. The two systems are separate — the ETA replaces the need for a visa for eligible nationals, it does not supplement it.

Who Needs a UK ETA?

Most visitors from visa-exempt countries — including Europeans, Americans, Australians, and Canadians — need a UK ETA before travelling to the UK.

Since the UK ETA system was fully rolled out in 2025, the requirement now applies to nationals of more than 80 countries worldwide. If your country previously allowed you to visit the UK without any pre-travel permission, you almost certainly now need a UK ETA.

The key groups who need a UK ETA include:

• European Union citizens (required from 2 April 2025)
• United States citizens
• Canadian citizens
• Australian citizens
• New Zealand citizens
• Japanese citizens
• South Korean citizens
• Singaporean citizens
• Citizens of most other Western European, North American, and Asia-Pacific countries

Important: The requirement applies regardless of the purpose of your visit — tourism, business meetings, visiting family, or transit (if you pass through UK border control).

Countries That Require a UK ETA (80+ Nations)

The UK ETA is required for nationals of all countries that previously had visa-free access to the UK. This includes the full list of EU member states, as well as countries such as:

Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Americas: United States, Canada, Mexico (check current status), Argentina, Brazil, Chile

Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong (BN(O) passport holders — check current status)

Middle East / Other: Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia

Note on Jordan: As of 2025, Jordanian nationals are no longer eligible for the UK ETA. Jordanian citizens must now apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead. Always check the latest eligibility at gov.uk before travelling.

To check whether your specific nationality requires a UK ETA or a visa, use the official UK Government tool at gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

Who Is Exempt from the UK ETA?

Not everyone needs a UK ETA. The following groups are exempt and do not need to apply:

Passport-based exemptions:

• British citizens (including British Overseas Territories Citizens with right of abode)
• Irish citizens — Ireland and the UK share the Common Travel Area (CTA), so Irish nationals can travel freely without an ETA or visa

Status-based exemptions:

• People with permission to live in the UK (e.g., Indefinite Leave to Remain)
• People with permission to work in the UK (valid work visa or permit)
• People with permission to study in the UK (valid student visa)
• UK residents holding a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa

If you hold any of the above, you do not need a UK ETA — your existing permission covers your travel.

UK ETA Cost 2026

The UK ETA costs £20 from 8 April 2026, up from £16, and must be paid through the official UK Government website.

The UK ETA fee is a one-time payment per person, per application. It covers the full 2-year validity period of the authorisation, regardless of how many times you enter the UK during that period.

Current and upcoming fees:

• Until 7 April 2026: £16 per person
• From 8 April 2026: £20 per person

This fee applies to every traveller, including children and infants. There is no family discount or group rate — each person must pay individually.

How to Apply for a UK ETA

Apply for the UK ETA online in 3 steps: submit your details, pay the fee, and receive email confirmation before you travel.

The UK ETA application is entirely online. You do not need to visit an embassy, consulate, or visa application centre. The process is designed to be completed in under 10 minutes if you have your documents ready.

You can apply via:

• gov.uk (desktop or mobile browser)
• UK ETA app (iOS and Android, published by the Home Office)

Documents Required for UK ETA Application

Before you start your application, gather the following:

Required:

• Valid biometric passport — your passport must have a chip (biometric). Non-biometric passports are not accepted.
• Passport data page — you will need to photograph or scan the photo page of your passport
• Personal details — full name (as on passport), date of birth, nationality
• Contact details — email address (for confirmation), phone number
• Payment method — credit or debit card to pay the £20 fee

For the photo:

• A clear, recent, ID-style photograph of your face
• The photo must meet UK passport photo standards (plain background, face clearly visible)
• You can upload a photo taken on your phone

Note: You do not need to provide proof of accommodation, return flights, or financial means as part of the ETA application. These may be checked at the border, but are not required for the ETA itself.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Complete the online form.

Go to gov.uk/apply-for-an-eta or open the UK ETA app. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Upload a photo of yourself and a scan of your passport data page. Answer the eligibility and background questions honestly.

Step 2: Pay the fee.

Pay the application fee online by credit or debit card:

• £16 if applying before 8 April 2026
• £20 if applying from 8 April 2026 onwards

Payment is processed securely. Keep your payment confirmation.

Step 3: Receive your confirmation.

Once your application is submitted and payment processed, you will receive an email confirmation. Your UK ETA will be reviewed and a decision sent to your email address, typically within 1 to 3 working days.

When approved, your ETA is electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to print anything — simply travel with the passport you used to apply.

UK ETA Validity and Entry Rules

The UK ETA is valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires) and allows multiple entries with each stay up to 6 months.

Once your UK ETA is approved, it remains active for a significant period — making it convenient for frequent travellers, business visitors, and those who visit family in the UK regularly.

How Long Is the UK ETA Valid?

The UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.

This means:

• If your passport expires in 18 months, your ETA will also expire in 18 months (even though ETAs are normally valid for 2 years)
• If you renew your passport, your existing ETA becomes invalid — you must apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport
• There is no way to transfer an ETA from one passport to another

Practical tip: If your passport is due to expire within the next 2 years, consider renewing it before applying for your UK ETA to maximise the validity period.

How Many Times Can You Enter the UK with an ETA?

The UK ETA allows multiple entries during its validity period. There is no limit on the number of times you can travel to the UK while your ETA is valid, as long as each individual stay does not exceed 6 months.

This makes the UK ETA particularly useful for:

• Business travellers who visit the UK regularly
• People with family in the UK
• Frequent tourists

Maximum Stay Per Visit

Each visit to the UK with an ETA is limited to a maximum of 6 months (approximately 180 days). This is the same limit that previously applied to visa-free visitors.

You cannot use the UK ETA to:

• Live in the UK permanently
• Work in the UK (paid employment)
• Study for extended periods (short courses may be permitted — check current rules)
• Accumulate time across multiple visits to exceed 6 months in any 12-month period

If you need to stay longer than 6 months, or if you wish to work or study in the UK, you will need to apply for the appropriate UK visa.

What You Can (and Cannot) Do with a UK ETA

The UK ETA permits tourism, business visits, and family stays of up to 6 months, but does not guarantee entry to the UK.

The UK ETA is designed for short-term visits. It covers a wide range of legitimate travel purposes, but it is not a work permit or long-term residence authorisation.

Permitted Activities

With a valid UK ETA, you can:

• Tourism and leisure — sightseeing, holidays, cultural visits
• Visiting family and friends — staying with relatives or friends in the UK
• Business activities — attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, training (as a visitor, not as an employee)
• Short courses — some short-term study (typically up to 6 months, non-degree level)
• Transit — passing through the UK on the way to another destination (see transit rules below)
• Medical treatment — receiving private medical treatment as a visitor

What the UK ETA Does NOT Allow

The UK ETA does not permit:

• Paid employment — you cannot work for a UK employer or be paid by a UK company
• Self-employment — you cannot set up or run a business in the UK
• Long-term study — degree programmes or courses longer than 6 months require a Student Visa
• Settling in the UK — the ETA is not a pathway to permanent residence
• Claiming public funds — you cannot access UK benefits or public services as an ETA holder

Critical note: Holding a valid UK ETA does not guarantee entry to the United Kingdom. UK Border Force officers have the authority to refuse entry at the border if they have concerns about your intentions, documentation, or eligibility. Always be prepared to demonstrate the purpose of your visit and your intention to leave within the permitted period.

UK ETA Processing Time

UK ETA applications are typically approved within 1 to 3 working days after submission through the official government portal.

In most cases, the UK ETA is approved quickly. The majority of straightforward applications receive a decision within 24 to 72 hours of submission. However, some applications may take longer if additional checks are required.

Standard Processing

• Typical approval time: 1–3 working days
• Fastest approvals: Often within a few hours for straightforward applications
• Longer processing: Up to several weeks in rare cases requiring additional review

Apply well in advance of your travel date. The UK Government recommends applying at least 72 hours before you travel, but applying several weeks in advance is advisable to avoid any last-minute issues.

What to Do If Your ETA Is Delayed

If you have not received a decision on your UK ETA application within 3 working days:

1. Check your email — including spam/junk folders — for any communication from UKVI.
2. Check your ETA status online at gov.uk using your application reference number.
3. Contact UKVI via webchat — UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) offers a webchat service for ETA enquiries.

Do not book non-refundable travel until your UK ETA has been approved.

Special Cases and Exceptions

Children, transit passengers, and European citizens all have specific UK ETA rules that differ from the standard application process.

The UK ETA system has several important exceptions and special rules that apply to specific groups of travellers. Understanding these rules can prevent problems at the border.

Children and Family Applications

Every person travelling to the UK needs their own UK ETA — including babies and young children. There is no family ETA or group application.

Key rules for children:

• Each child needs a separate ETA linked to their own passport
• Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of children — you do not need to be the child to submit the application
• Infants and babies are not exempt — even a 6-month-old baby needs a UK ETA if they hold a passport from an eligible country
• The fee is £20 per person regardless of age (from 8 April 2026)

For a family of four (two adults, two children), the total UK ETA cost from 8 April 2026 will be £80.

Transit Through the UK

Whether you need a UK ETA for transit depends on whether you pass through UK border control.

If you are transiting through a UK airport and your connecting flight is in the same terminal without passing through immigration, you generally do not need a UK ETA.

However, if you need to collect baggage and re-check it, or if your connection requires you to pass through UK border control, you do need a UK ETA.

When in doubt, check with your airline or the UK Government’s official guidance.

European Citizens: ETA Required Since April 2025

All European Union citizens (except Irish nationals) have been required to hold a UK ETA since 2 April 2025.

This was a significant change for European travellers, who previously could visit the UK without any pre-travel authorisation following Brexit. From 2 April 2025, the UK ETA requirement was extended to cover all EU member state nationals.

This means citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, and all other EU countries must now apply for a UK ETA before travelling to the UK — whether for tourism, business, or family visits.

Irish citizens remain exempt due to the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement between Ireland and the United Kingdom.

School Groups from France and Germany

There is a temporary exemption for organised school trips from France and Germany. EU citizens from France and Germany who are participating in an organised school trip to the UK are, for the time being, exempt from the UK ETA requirement.

This exemption applies specifically to:

• Students who are EU citizens from France or Germany
• Travelling as part of an organised school group
• The trip must be a formal educational visit

This exemption is temporary and subject to change. Schools and educational organisations planning trips to the UK should check the latest guidance at gov.uk before travelling.

FAQs About the UK ETA

What is the UK ETA?

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a mandatory digital travel permit required by citizens of 80+ visa-exempt countries before visiting the United Kingdom. It is electronically linked to your passport and allows multiple entries for up to 2 years, with each stay limited to 6 months.

Who needs a UK ETA?

Citizens of 80+ visa-exempt countries need a UK ETA to visit the UK. This includes nationals of EU countries (since 2 April 2025), the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others. British and Irish citizens are exempt.

How do I apply for a UK ETA?

Apply online at gov.uk/apply-for-an-eta or via the UK ETA app (iOS/Android). The process takes approximately 10 minutes: fill in your details, upload a photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. You will receive a decision by email within 1–3 working days.

How long is the UK ETA valid?

The UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ETA.

Can I enter the UK multiple times with one ETA?

Yes. The UK ETA allows multiple entries during its 2-year validity period. There is no limit on the number of visits, as long as each individual stay does not exceed 6 months.

How long can I stay in the UK with an ETA?

Each visit to the UK with an ETA is limited to a maximum of 6 months. You cannot use the ETA to live, work, or study long-term in the UK.

Do children need a UK ETA?

Yes. Every person travelling to the UK needs their own UK ETA, including babies and young children. Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of their children. The fee is £20 per person from 8 April 2026.

Is the UK ETA the same as a visa?

No. The UK ETA is not a visa. It is a lighter-touch pre-travel authorisation for nationals of visa-exempt countries. If your country requires a visa to visit the UK, you must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead — not an ETA.

Does the UK ETA guarantee entry to the UK?

No. Holding a valid UK ETA does not guarantee entry to the United Kingdom. UK Border Force officers can refuse entry at the border if they have concerns about your intentions or documentation.

How long does UK ETA approval take?

Most UK ETA applications are approved within 1 to 3 working days. Some straightforward applications are approved within hours. Apply well in advance of your travel date — at least 72 hours before departure.

Can I work in the UK with an ETA?

No. The UK ETA does not permit paid employment in the UK. If you wish to work in the UK, you must apply for the appropriate work visa through the UK’s points-based immigration system.

Do I need a UK ETA if I’m just transiting through a UK airport?

It depends. If you are transiting airside (without passing through UK border control), you generally do not need a UK ETA. If you need to pass through UK immigration — even briefly — you do need a UK ETA.

What happens if I arrive in the UK without an ETA?

If you arrive at a UK port of entry without a valid UK ETA (and you are required to have one), you may be refused boarding by your airline or refused entry at the UK border. Always apply before you travel.

Can I apply for a UK ETA if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a UK ETA, but it may affect the outcome of your application. You will be asked to declare any criminal convictions during the application process. The UK Government will assess your application on a case-by-case basis.

What if my UK ETA application is refused?

If your UK ETA is refused, you will be notified by email. The application fee is generally non-refundable. You may be able to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa as an alternative, depending on your circumstances.

Can I check the status of my UK ETA application?

Yes. You can check the status of your UK ETA application online at gov.uk using your application reference number. You can also check whether you currently have a valid ETA and when it expires.