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UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Visitors: Requirements and Application Process

🇬🇧 United KingdomEntry Rules2 recorded versionsLast change 30 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

Most visitors to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visa for stays of up to 6 months. An ETA costs £20 and is valid for 2 years or until the associated passport expires, whichever is sooner. It allows for multiple entries within its validity period. Applications are made online or via the UK ETA app, requiring the travel passport, an email address, and payment. A decision is usually issued within one day, but can take up to three working days. An ETA does not guarantee entry.

Overview

The Home Office announced a revised ETA fee and clarified that airside transit passengers at listed airports remain outside the requirement, following carrier consultation.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Most visitors travelling to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man for up to 6 months
  • Individuals from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada, or certain other countries who would typically not require a visa
  • Family members and groups, including babies and children
  • Individuals transiting 'landside' through a UK airport

What changed in the latest version

Before

The ETA system did not start all at once. It was introduced in stages. People from Qatar needed an ETA to travel from November 2023. People from other Gulf states followed in February 2024. More countries that do not need a visa followed from January 2025. People from Europe could apply from March 2025. The system changed from an optional authorisation to a required digital travel permission for people who do not need a visa. From 25 February 2026, people who do not need a visa and require an ETA could not travel to the UK without one. This did not apply if they were exempt.

After

Most visitors to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visa. This applies for stays of up to 6 months. An ETA costs £20. It is valid for 2 years or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. You can enter multiple times during this period. You apply online or by using the UK ETA app. You need your travel passport, an email address, and payment. A decision usually comes within one day. It can take up to three working days. An ETA does not mean you will definitely be allowed to enter the UK.

This change means many travellers who did not need permission to visit the UK before now must get an ETA. They need it before they travel. If you do not get an ETA, you might not be allowed to board your plane or enter the UK when you arrive. Everyone needs their own ETA, including babies and children. Each ETA costs £20. The ETA is linked to your passport. You must make sure your travel document is valid for as long as your ETA lasts. If your passport expires sooner, you must apply for a new ETA.

Explained simply

Imagine you're going on a holiday to the UK, like visiting a friend or going sightseeing. Before you even pack your bags, if you're from places like Europe, the USA, Australia, or Canada, you now need a special electronic pass called an 'ETA'. Think of it like a digital ticket you buy online for £20 that tells the UK government you're allowed to visit. This ticket lasts for two years, or until your passport runs out, and you can visit as many times as you like within that period. Even your baby cousin needs one! You apply online, give them a photo, and usually hear back within a few days. Don't travel without it, or you might not be allowed in!

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v13Effective 6 Apr 2026PublishedHigh impact
    UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Visitors: Requirements and Application Process

    Follows v1 · UK enforces digital permission to travel

    The United Kingdom now has an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Most visitors to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man need one for stays of up to 6 months. An ETA costs £20. It lasts for two years. Or it lasts until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can enter multiple times during this period. This new rule mainly affects people from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada, and some other countries. These people could travel without permission before. People with British or Irish passports do not need an ETA. People who can already live, work, or study in the UK also do not need one.

  2. v1Effective 25 Feb 2026EffectiveCritical impact
    UK enforces digital permission to travel

    From 25 February, people who do not need a visa, including those from the USA, Canada, and France, must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to come to the UK. Airlines will stop passengers from boarding if they do not have an ETA, an eVisa, or other valid travel documents. The ETA costs £16. It lets you make many journeys and is valid for 2 years or until your passport runs out, whichever comes first. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. However, they must show a valid passport or a Certificate of Entitlement. Certificates of Entitlement will be digital from 26 February.

Other routes in this country

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