Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)to visit the UK
Find out whether you may need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, what it costs, how long it lasts and how to apply.
The essentials
UK ETA at a glance
The essentials for planning a short trip, based on current UK Government guidance.
Current guidance checked against official UK Government sources on 25 August 2026.
Start here
Do you need a UK ETA?
Your nationality, UK immigration status and reason for travel determine which permission you need. Answer three quick questions for a useful starting point.
Privacy-friendlyYour answers stay in your browser and are not stored.
Your starting point
Check on GOV.UKThis result is general information, not an official immigration decision.
Understanding the ETA
What is the UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital permission to travel for eligible visitors who do not need a visa.
It is electronically linked to the passport used during the application. Once approved, travellers can normally use the same ETA for multiple trips during its validity period. There is no physical document to collect or carry.
Read the official ETA overviewEligibility and exemptions
Who needs an ETA — and who does not?
The passport you travel with matters most. Your immigration status and travel purpose can also change the answer.
You may need an ETA
Visa-exempt visitors
Travellers from many countries that do not normally require a visitor visa must now obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.
- The United States and Canada
- Australia and New Zealand
- European countries
- Gulf countries
- Other eligible countries and territories
Eligibility is based on the nationality shown on the passport you will use.
You generally do not need an ETA
Citizens, residents and other exemptions
- British or Irish citizens
- Travellers with a valid UK visa
- People with permission to live, work or study in the UK
- People with settled or pre-settled status or right of abode
- Airside transit passengers who do not pass border control
- People who qualify for another specific exemption
Special rules can apply to certain residents of Ireland and other travellers.
The application process
How to apply for a UK ETA
The application is completed electronically. There is normally no embassy appointment and no physical document to collect.
-
01
Check your eligibility
Confirm that your nationality is eligible and an ETA is right for your journey.
-
02
Prepare your information
Have your passport, email address, applicant photo and payment method ready.
-
03
Complete the application
Use the official UK ETA app or the UK Government’s online ETA service.
-
04
Wait for your decision
Most decisions arrive by email within a day. Allow up to 3 working days.
-
05
Travel with the same passport
Your ETA is digitally linked to the passport used in your application.
Start your applicationContinue to our secure online application form.
Get ready to apply
What you need for an ETA application
Gather these essentials before starting your application.
Valid passport
Use the passport you intend to travel with.
Email address
Your updates and decision will be sent electronically.
Applicant photo
Provide or take a photograph of the person applying.
Payment method
Have a valid payment method ready to complete the application.
Personal information
Answer identity and suitability questions as part of the application.
Validity and passports
One ETA. Multiple eligible journeys.
A UK ETA is normally valid for two years or until the linked passport expires — whichever happens first. You can make multiple eligible trips during that time.
New passport? New ETA.Your authorisation does not transfer when your passport is replaced or renewed.
Practical situations
Children, families and connecting flights
Every traveller needs their own ETA
Children and babies are not covered by a parent’s authorisation. Parents and guardians can apply on behalf of a child.
Passing through border control
ETA-eligible passengers generally need an ETA if their connection requires them to enter the UK, for example to collect and recheck baggage.
Staying airside
An ETA is not currently required if you connect without passing through UK border control. Your airline can confirm the route through the airport.
Beyond the ETA
Other UK entry requirements still apply
An approved ETA is permission to travel, not a guarantee of admission. Border Force officers can still assess whether you meet the visitor requirements when you arrive.
View UK border guidancePassport requirements
Your passport should normally be valid for your entire stay.
Visa requirements
Some nationalities and travel purposes require a visa instead.
Purpose of travel
Separate rules apply if you plan to work, live, marry or stay longer.
Visitor requirements
You may need to show your visit is genuine and that you can fund your trip.
Questions, answered
UK ETA frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the details travellers ask about most.
Check your requirementsETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation. It is electronic permission required by many visa-exempt foreign nationals before travelling to the United Kingdom.
No. The ETA is different from a UK visa. It is primarily intended for eligible travellers who do not normally require a visa for a short visit.
Applicants usually receive a decision by email within a day, although processing can take up to 3 working days. Wait for approval before you travel.
Yes. You can make multiple eligible journeys while the ETA remains valid, normally for two years or until the linked passport expires.
Yes. Every eligible traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children. A parent or guardian can apply for them.
No. An ETA gives permission to travel to the UK, but admission remains subject to UK border and immigration requirements.
If you remain airside and do not pass through UK border control, you do not currently need an ETA. If you pass border control, an ETA may be required depending on your nationality.
Prepare with confidence
Know which permission you need before you travel.
Check your nationality, travel purpose and immigration status using the official UK Government service.
Explore the United Kingdom
Popular UK Tours & Experiences
Make the most of your trip to the United Kingdom with some of the country's most popular tours and sightseeing experiences. Explore London landmarks, historic destinations, famous film sets and the Scottish Highlands.
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath
Discover three of England's most famous destinations in one day, with visits to historic Windsor, ancient Stonehenge and the beautiful city of Bath.
View Tour on Viator
London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & River Cruise
See London's famous landmarks at your own pace aboard an open-top sightseeing bus, with options that include a cruise along the River Thames.
View Tour on Viator
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Step inside the world of Harry Potter and explore original sets, costumes and movie-making secrets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
View Tour on Viator
Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands
Travel from Edinburgh into the Scottish Highlands and experience dramatic scenery, Glencoe, Loch Ness and some of Scotland's most famous landscapes.
View Tour on ViatorTours and activities are offered by independent third-party providers. ETA-UK.info does not operate these tours. Prices, availability, schedules and inclusions are determined by the provider and may change.