UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Who needs a UK ETA

Most visitors need either an ETA or a visa. Which one depends on your nationality and why you are coming ¹. You usually need an ETA instead of a visa if you are from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries ¹.

Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for other people ¹. You need one if you pass through UK border control on a transit (landside). You do not if you stay airside ^1,2.

Who does not need one

You do not need an ETA if ²:

• You are a British or Irish citizen. Dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship cannot get an ETA and must travel as British or Irish citizens
• You have a UK visa, or permission to live, work or study in the UK, including settled or pre-settled status
• You have permission to live, work or study in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
• You are transiting airside without passing through border control
• You travel on a British overseas territories citizen passport or a British National (Overseas) passport
• You live in Ireland and travel from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

Cost and how to apply

It costs £20 to apply online or through the UK ETA app, and you cannot get a refund after you apply ³. You need the passport you will travel with, an email address and a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay ³. You must upload or take a photo of the applicant's face ³.

The online form is at https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation, linked from https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply ³. The app can apply for someone who is with you. Apply online for someone who is not ³.

When to apply

Apply before you travel. You usually get a decision by email within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days ³. You must wait for the email confirming you have an ETA before you travel ³. It comes with a 16-digit ETA reference number ³.

How long it lasts and what it allows

An ETA lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want in that period ³. It is linked to your passport, so you only show your passport when you travel ³.

With an ETA you can come for up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, business or short-term study ². You cannot work, claim benefits, marry or live in the UK through frequent visits ². An ETA does not guarantee entry ¹.

Avoid sites that charge more

GOV.UK warns that other websites may charge more to apply and tells travellers to avoid websites that imitate government services ¹. The apply page says you cannot get a faster decision by applying through another website or app ³. The official fee is £20 ³.