UK ETA: price, application and requirements 2026

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is an electronic travel authorisation required by many visa-exempt visitors before travelling to the United Kingdom. It applies in particular to citizens of many European countries and other nationalities travelling for tourism or a short stay.

The ETA currently costs £20 per person. It is linked to the passport used for the application and is normally valid for 2 years, or until that passport expires if this happens sooner. During this period, it can be used for multiple trips to the United Kingdom.

What is the UK ETA?

The ETA is an electronic authorisation that allows you to travel to the United Kingdom. Its full name is Electronic Travel Authorisation.

It applies to travellers of certain nationalities who do not normally need a visa for a short visit. Whether you need an ETA therefore depends in particular on your nationality, the passport you use and the purpose of your trip.

The ETA can also be used to travel to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man when the requirements of the scheme are met.

Who needs an ETA to travel to the UK?

Many travellers who could previously visit the United Kingdom without a visa must now obtain an ETA before travelling.

This includes citizens of many European countries, including France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal, when travelling for a purpose permitted under the ETA scheme and when no exemption applies.

The ETA applies whether you are travelling to London or staying elsewhere in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Do children need an ETA?

Yes. Every traveller who is subject to the requirement must have their own ETA, regardless of age. This therefore also applies to babies and children.

A parent can apply on behalf of their child. An ETA obtained by an adult does not automatically cover other members of the family.

The documents required and the particular circumstances affecting minors are explained in our article about travelling to the United Kingdom with children.

Who does not need a UK ETA?

An ETA is not required in several situations. In particular, you do not need to apply for one if you:

• are a British or Irish citizen;
• already have a UK visa;
• have permission to live, work or study in the United Kingdom, including settled status or pre-settled status;
• have a right of residence or UK status covered by one of the exemptions;
• are transiting through a UK airport without passing through UK border control;
• are a child travelling under the official scheme applying to certain school trips between France and the United Kingdom.

Specific exemptions also apply to certain travellers who legally reside in Ireland when travelling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, as well as to certain holders of specific types of British passport.

Do you need an ETA with settled or pre-settled status?

No. A person with settled status or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme does not need to obtain an ETA to travel to the United Kingdom.

However, it is important to make sure that the information linked to your status and travel document is correctly recorded before you travel.

How much does the UK ETA cost?

A UK ETA application currently costs £20 per person.

The fee is the same for adults and children. A family of four whose members all need an ETA must therefore make four applications and pay the relevant fee four times.

The fee is non-refundable once the application has been submitted.

How do you apply for a UK ETA?

You can apply using the official UK ETA app or directly online through the UK government's website.

You will need, in particular:

• the passport you will use to travel;
• an email address;
• a credit or debit card, or a compatible payment method such as Apple Pay or Google Pay;
• a photo of the applicant's face.

When using the app, your phone can be used to scan the applicant's passport and face. For an online application, you need to provide a photo of the passport as well as a photo of the applicant's face.

Can you apply for an ETA for someone else?

Yes. You can apply for another person, including your child.

When using the UK ETA app, the person applying must be present. If they are not with you, you can apply online as long as you have the required information, including a photo of their passport and a photo of their face.

Which passport should you use to apply for an ETA?

You must use the passport you will use to travel to the United Kingdom. The ETA will be electronically linked to this document.

The rules on passport validity, national identity cards and exceptions are explained in our article about passport requirements for travelling to the United Kingdom.

How long does it take to get a UK ETA?

A decision usually arrives by email in less than a day. However, processing can take up to 3 working days.

Members of the same family or group may receive their decisions at different times, even when their applications were submitted together.

How long is a UK ETA valid?

An ETA is valid for 2 years from the date it is granted or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first.

During its period of validity, it can be used for multiple trips. You therefore do not need to apply for a new ETA before every weekend or visit to the United Kingdom as long as both the authorisation and the passport linked to it remain valid.

Do you need a new ETA with a new passport?

Yes. As the ETA is linked to the passport used for the application, you will need to apply for a new one if that passport expires or changes.

This is also an important reason to check your passport's expiry date before applying. An ETA will not remain valid for 2 years if the passport linked to it expires sooner.

How can you check if your ETA is still valid?

The UK government provides an online service that allows you to check whether you have an ETA and find its expiry date.

To carry out this check, you must use the passport that was used for the ETA application.

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

An ETA can be used to travel to the United Kingdom for a visit of up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family or friends, certain business activities or short-term study.

It can also be used in certain specific circumstances covered by the UK rules, including a permitted paid engagement or certain stays under the Creative Worker concession.

An ETA does not, however, allow you to:

• stay in the United Kingdom for more than 6 months as a visitor;
• live in the United Kingdom through frequent or successive visits;
• work for a UK company or as a self-employed person outside the activities expressly permitted;
• claim UK public funds;
• come to the UK to marry, enter into a civil partnership or give notice of marriage or civil partnership under this route.

If the purpose or duration of your stay goes beyond what is permitted with an ETA, the UK visa rules can help determine which authorisation you need.

Do you need to print your ETA?

No. The ETA is an electronic authorisation linked to the passport used for the application.

Once your authorisation has been granted, there is therefore no paper ETA document to present like a traditional visa. When travelling, you must use the same passport that is linked to your ETA.

Do you need an ETA to transit through the UK?

It depends on how your transit works.

If you remain in the international transit area and do not pass through UK border control during your connection (airside transit), you currently do not need an ETA.

If your connection requires you to pass through UK border control (landside transit), you need an ETA if your nationality is subject to the requirement.

Do you need an ETA to travel by Eurostar, ferry or car?

Yes, if you are a traveller who is required to have an ETA. The requirement does not depend on your means of transport.

A traveller who needs an ETA must therefore have one whether travelling by Eurostar to London or arriving in the United Kingdom by plane, ferry or through the Channel Tunnel.

Does an ETA guarantee entry to the UK?

No. An ETA gives you permission to travel to the United Kingdom, but it does not guarantee that you will be admitted.

As with other international travellers, entry remains subject to UK immigration rules and checks carried out at the border.

What happens if an ETA application is refused?

An ETA application may be refused when the applicant does not meet the requirements set out in the UK rules.

If you have a criminal record or have previously been refused entry to the United Kingdom, the UK government states that it may be preferable to consider applying for a Standard Visitor visa rather than an ETA, depending on your circumstances.

An ETA refusal should therefore not be treated as a simple formality that can be bypassed by immediately submitting an identical application. The appropriate course of action depends on the reason for the refusal and your individual circumstances.

What are the main special cases?

British dual nationals

A British citizen does not need an ETA. If you hold both British citizenship and another nationality, you should take into account the rules applying to British citizens and the documents used to prove British citizenship before travelling.

Residents of Ireland

Certain travellers who legally reside in Ireland may be exempt from the ETA requirement when travelling to the United Kingdom from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

This exemption does not mean that everyone travelling from Ireland is automatically exempt from the ETA requirement. Eligibility depends in particular on the traveller's status.

School trips from France

Children travelling under the official France-UK School Trip Travel Information Form scheme are exempt from the ETA requirement when they are correctly listed on the form.

This exception applies to school trips that meet the conditions of the scheme and does not apply to an ordinary family holiday.

FAQ about the UK ETA

Is an ETA required to travel to London?

Yes, for travellers who are subject to the ETA requirement. London has no special exemption: the same rules apply as elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Does a baby need an ETA?

Yes. Every baby or child who is subject to the requirement must have their own ETA, even when travelling with their parents.

Do you need an ETA to travel to Scotland?

Yes if you are normally required to have an ETA. Scotland is part of the United Kingdom and no separate ETA is required.

Do you need an ETA to travel to Northern Ireland?

Yes for a traveller who would normally need an ETA, unless a specific exemption applies. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.

Do you need an ETA for Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man?

The ETA scheme also allows eligible travellers to travel to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The exemptions and requirements that apply should be checked according to your circumstances.

Can you travel while your ETA application is pending?

No. If you need an ETA, you must wait until you receive the email confirming that it has been granted before travelling to the United Kingdom.

Do you need a new ETA for every trip to the UK?

No. An ETA allows multiple trips during its validity period. You need to apply for a new one when it expires or when the passport to which it is linked expires or changes.

Can you apply for an ETA at the airport just before departure?

You can apply online or through the UK ETA app, but you must have received your authorisation before travelling. Although many decisions arrive quickly, processing can take up to 3 working days, so it is best not to wait until the day of departure.

Summary

The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation required by many visa-exempt travellers. It currently costs £20 per person, including children, and applications can be made through the official UK ETA app or the UK government's online service.

An ETA is normally valid for 2 years or until the passport linked to it expires and allows multiple trips during this period. A decision usually arrives in less than a day, although processing can take up to 3 working days.

The ETA must be obtained before travelling and does not guarantee entry to the United Kingdom. Always check that your passport, ETA and the purpose of your stay meet the rules that apply to your circumstances.