UK ETA Explained: Who Needs It, Cost and How to Apply
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is now required for most visa-exempt visitors to the United Kingdom. Here's who needs it, the fee, how long it lasts, and how to apply on the official app.
The UK ETA is an online travel authorisation now required for visa-exempt visitors to the United Kingdom, including most European nationals since April 2025. It is valid for two years or until your passport expires, allows multiple visits of up to six months each, and costs roughly £16 to £20 — check the current fee on gov.uk. You apply through the official UK ETA app or on gov.uk, decisions are usually quick, and British and Irish citizens do not need one. It is not a visa.
What is a UK ETA?
ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation. It is the UK’s digital pre-screening for visitors who do not need a visa — a quick online approval that is linked electronically to your passport. It applies to short visits for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, short study and transit. It does not permit work or long-term stays.
Who needs a UK ETA?
You need an ETA if you are a visa-exempt visitor to the UK — this now includes citizens of the EU and many other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and the Gulf states. The rollout happened in stages through 2024 and 2025, with most European nationals brought in from 2 April 2025.
You do not need an ETA if you are a British or Irish citizen, if you already hold a UK visa, or if you have UK residence status. Children and infants need their own ETA, even though a responsible adult can apply on their behalf.
How much does the UK ETA cost?
The fee has increased since launch. It started at £10, rose to £16 in 2025, and further rises have been announced, so it currently sits in the £16 to £20 range. Because the amount has changed more than once, always confirm the live fee on gov.uk before you pay. You pay once per application, and the authorisation then covers multiple trips for its validity period.
How long is it valid?
A UK ETA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that time you can travel to the UK as many times as you like, with each stay lasting up to six months. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA.
How to apply
- Use the official route only. Apply through the “UK ETA” app published by the UK government, or on gov.uk. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra.
- Have your passport ready. You will scan it and take a photo of yourself in the app.
- Answer the questions and pay. You will give basic personal and travel details and answer suitability questions, then pay the fee.
- Wait for the decision. Many approvals come through within minutes, but the government advises allowing up to three working days, so apply well before you travel.
- Travel. The ETA is linked to your passport digitally — there is no sticker or document to print, though it is wise to keep your confirmation email.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving it to the last minute. Most are fast, but not all — apply a few days ahead.
- Applying on the wrong passport. The ETA ties to one specific passport; use the one you will actually travel on.
- Paying a middleman. Third-party “ETA services” charge more for the same thing.
- Forgetting children. Every traveller needs their own ETA, regardless of age.
Before you fly to the UK
Once your ETA is sorted, cover the rest of your trip: stay online from the moment you land with a UK eSIM, protect against medical and cancellation costs with travel insurance, and avoid bank FX markups with a good travel card. Travelling elsewhere too? Compare the UK ETA with the other authorisations in our ETIAS vs ESTA vs UK ETA guide, and check any destination’s rules with the visa & entry checker.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a UK ETA?
Visa-exempt visitors to the UK, including most European nationals since 2 April 2025, plus citizens of countries such as the US, Canada, Australia and the Gulf states. British and Irish citizens, and anyone who already holds a UK visa or residence status, do not need one.
How much does a UK ETA cost?
The fee has risen since launch and currently sits in the region of £16 to £20. Because it has changed more than once, confirm the live fee on gov.uk before applying.
How long does a UK ETA last?
Two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Within that time you can make multiple visits of up to six months each.
How do I apply for a UK ETA?
Through the official UK ETA app or on gov.uk. Scan your passport, take a photo, answer the questions and pay. Most decisions arrive quickly, but allow up to three working days.
Is a UK ETA a visa?
No. It is a lighter online authorisation for people who are already visa-exempt. It covers short visits only and does not permit work or long-term stays.
Do children need their own ETA?
Yes. Every traveller needs their own ETA regardless of age, though an adult can apply on a child's behalf.
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