The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory pre-travel permission for visa-free nationals visiting the United Kingdom.
It costs £20 from 8 April 2026, takes minutes to apply via the official UK ETA app, and is valid for 2 years with multiple entries.
US, Canadian and Australian citizens have needed one since 8 January 2025; EU and other European citizens since 2 April 2025.
What Is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA — officially called the Electronic Travel Authorization — is a digital pre-travel permission introduced by the UK Home Office in stages from November 2023; the rollout was completed on 2 April 2025.
It is required for nationals of visa-free countries who want to enter the United Kingdom for tourism, business, transit, or family visits.
Unlike a regular visa, the UK ETA is not a stamp or sticker in your passport.
It is linked electronically to your biometric passport and checked automatically when you board a flight or arrive at a UK port of entry. The system is administered by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the same body that manages UK visas.
The UK ETA is not a visa — it does not grant the right to live or work in the UK. It simply confirms that you are pre-approved to travel to the UK and that you meet the basic eligibility criteria.
Once approved, you can enter the UK multiple times within the 2-year validity period, staying up to 6 months per visit for tourism or business.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
Most visa-free nationals — including US, Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens — need a UK ETA to enter the United Kingdom. British citizens, Irish citizens, and those with a valid UK visa or settled status are exempt.
The requirement has applied to non-European visa-free nationals since 8 January 2025 and to European nationals since 2 April 2025.
If you hold a passport from a country that previously allowed visa-free travel to the UK, you almost certainly need an ETA before your next trip.
Countries That May Apply for a UK ETA
The following nationalities may get a UK ETA:
Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, United States, Uruguay
Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City
Asia-Pacific: Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong (SAR), Japan, Kiribati, Macao (SAR), Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Tuvalu
Africa & Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Mauritius, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates
Note: Always check the official gov.uk ETA eligibility checker before travel.
Who Is Exempt from the UK ETA?
The following people do not need a UK ETA:
- British citizens (including British Overseas Territories citizens with right of abode)
- Irish citizens (Common Travel Area arrangement)
- UK visa holders — your visa covers entry; no separate ETA needed
- People with UK immigration permission (eVisa) — no ETA needed (BRP cards expired at the end of 2024)
- EU Settled Status / Pre-Settled Status holders — if you have been granted settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you are exempt
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) holders — exempt
- Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) holders — exempt
- Certain diplomatic and official passport holders — check gov.uk for specifics
UK ETA for Settled Status and Dual Nationals
If you hold EU Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need a UK ETA. Your status document (digital or physical) serves as the permission to enter the UK.
In the case you hold both a British passport and the one from another nationality, always travel to the UK on your British passport — you will not need an ETA.
If you hold a dual nationality but do not have a British passport, you will need a UK ETA on your non-British passport (unless the other nationality is Irish or another exempt category).
How to Apply for a UK ETA
Apply for the UK ETA online via the official UK ETA app (iOS/Android) or at gov.uk.
The process takes 5–10 minutes, and most applicants get an automatic decision within minutes — but you should allow up to 3 working days.
⚠️ Warning: Only apply through official channels — gov.uk or the official UK ETA app. Third-party websites charge more for the same application.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Download the official UK ETA app (search “UK ETA” in the App Store or Google Play — look for the app published by “Home Office”) or visit gov.uk/apply-for-eta.
- Scan the biometric passport — the app reads the chip in your e-passport.
- Take a photo — facial recognition matches your photograph to the passport.
- Answer eligibility questions — these cover criminal history, travel history, and purpose of visit; answer honestly.
- Pay the fee — by debit or credit card.
- Receive your decision — usually within minutes; check the app or your email.
Your UK ETA is linked to your passport electronically. You do not receive a physical document — airlines and border staff check it automatically.
UK ETA Photo and Passport Requirements
- Type: Use the valid passport you will travel with; if it has a chip, the app can read it.
- Validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
- Photo: Taken via the app using your phone’s camera (selfie). The app uses facial recognition to match your face to your passport photo.
- No printed photo required — the entire process is digital.
How Long Does a UK ETA Take?
- Typical processing time: Usually within minutes (automatic decision)
- Allow: up to 3 working days if further checks are needed
- Recommendation: Apply at least 3 working days before travel
- Urgent/same-day: Not guaranteed — there is no expedited processing option
- If pending at time: Do not travel without an approved ETA; airlines will deny boarding
How to Check the UK ETA Status
After applying, you can check the UK ETA status at any time:
- Via the UK ETA app: Open the app → tap “Check status” → your current status is displayed
- Via gov.uk: Go to gov.uk/check-eta → enter your passport details
Status meanings:
- Approved ✅ — you are cleared to travel to the UK
- Pending ⏳ — your application is being reviewed; do not travel until approved
- Refused ❌ — your application has been denied; see the Denied section below
Can I Apply for a UK ETA at the Airport?
You cannot apply for a UK ETA at the airport or on arrival in the UK. The UK ETA must be obtained before you travel.
Airlines are required to check that passengers have a valid UK ETA before boarding. If you arrive at the airport without an approved ETA, you will be denied boarding. There is no on-arrival ETA option at UK ports of entry.
Apply at least 3 working days before your departure to ensure you have your ETA in time.
UK ETA Cost and Fee Changes
The UK ETA costs £20 per person (since 8 April 2026). Only apply via gov.uk or the official UK ETA app.
UK ETA Fee Increase: What You Need to Know
The UK ETA launched at £10. The fee rose to £16 on 9 April 2025 and to £20 on 8 April 2026.
Always check the current fee on gov.uk before applying, as fees may change.
UK ETA Validity and What It Covers
A UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first).
It allows multiple entries to the UK, with each stay up to 6 months for tourism or business.
How Long Is a UK ETA Valid?
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Validity period | 2 years from issue date |
| Or until | Passport expiry (whichever is sooner) |
| Entry type | Multiple entries |
| Max stay per visit | 6 months (tourism/business) |
| Number of visits | Unlimited within validity period |
| Linked to | Your specific passport |
Important: If you get a new passport, your UK ETA becomes invalid — it is linked to your old passport number. You must apply for a new UK ETA with your new passport before traveling.
UK ETA for Transit and Layovers
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required for visitors from visa-exempt countries who are entering or transiting through the UK.
For airside transit, where passengers do not pass through UK border control, an ETA is currently not needed (temporary exemption).
However, for landside transit or layovers that require leaving the airside area, an ETA is mandatory.
Travelers are advised to apply online at least a few days before travel, as the ETA is valid for multiple entries over a two-year period or until the passport expires.
UK ETA for Families and Children
Each family member — including children and infants — needs their own UK ETA.
You can apply for multiple people in one session via the UK ETA app. Children need their own biometric passport.
Key points for family procedures:
- No family ETA — each person needs an individual application
- Children: Need their own biometric passport; a parent or guardian can apply on their behalf via the app
- Infants: Also require their own ETA and biometric passport
- Spouse/partner: Separate form required
- Applying for others: The UK ETA app allows you to apply for family members in the same session — you do not need to create separate accounts
What Happens If Your UK ETA Is Denied?
If your UK ETA is denied, you cannot board a flight to the UK. You cannot appeal the decision, but you can apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa instead.
Common reasons for refusal include criminal history, security concerns, or incomplete information.
A UK ETA denial is not a permanent ban from the UK. It means your application did not meet the automated or manual screening criteria. You have options.
Common Reasons for UK ETA Refusal
- Criminal record — particularly serious offenses (violence, drug trafficking, fraud)
- DUI / drink driving conviction — even older convictions can trigger a refusal
- Security concerns — if you appear on a watchlist or have links to persons of concern
- Previous UK immigration violations — overstaying a previous visa, deportation, or removal
- Incomplete or false information — errors in your application or failure to disclose required information
- Travel history concerns — travel to certain countries may trigger additional scrutiny
What to Do After a UK ETA Refusal
If the UK ETA is refused, you have the following options:
- Apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa — this involves a more detailed process with a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Center; a visa refusal is not automatic if your ETA was refused.
- Seek immigration legal advice — for complex cases (criminal record, previous deportation), consult a registered UK immigration solicitor or lawyer.
Note: There is no right of appeal or administrative review against an ETA refusal — the alternative is to apply for a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a UK ETA?
US citizens have been required to obtain a UK ETA since January 8, 2025. Apply via the official UK ETA app or gov.uk before your trip.
Is the UK ETA mandatory now?
The UK ETA is mandatory for all visa-free nationals (except British, Irish, and those with UK immigration status). Airlines check ETA compliance at check-in.
How long does it take to get a UK ETA?
Most applicants get an automatic decision within minutes. Allow up to 3 working days if further checks are needed.
How much does the UK ETA cost?
The UK ETA costs £20. Only pay through gov.uk or the official UK ETA app — third-party sites charge additional fee.
Can I apply for a UK ETA at the airport?
The UK ETA must be obtained before you travel. Airlines check ETA status at check-in and will deny boarding without an approved ETA.
What happens if my UK ETA is denied?
You cannot travel to the UK without an approved ETA. You cannot appeal, but you can apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa instead.
Can I travel to the UK while my ETA is pending?
Do not travel until your UK ETA shows “Approved” status. Airlines will not allow boarding with a pending ETA.
Do children need a UK ETA?
Every traveler — including infants — needs their own UK ETA. Children must have their own biometric passport. A parent or guardian can apply on their behalf via the UK ETA app.
Do I need a UK ETA if I have EU Settled Status?
No. If you hold EU Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you are exempt from the UK ETA requirement.
Which UK ETA app is official/legitimate?
The only official UK ETA app is published by the Home Office in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Search for “UK ETA” and verify the publisher. Any other app is unofficial.