UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory digital pre-travel permission introduced for nationals who do not require a standard visa for short visits to the UK. Full enforcement began on 25 February 2026, from which date airlines, ferry operators, and Eurostar can refuse boarding to travellers without a valid ETA.
What Is an ETA?
An ETA is a digital permission linked electronically to your passport. It is not a visa and does not appear as a stamp or sticker. When you check in or arrive at the UK border, it is verified automatically.
An approved ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time, and is valid for two years from approval or until the linked passport expires, whichever is sooner. It does not guarantee entry — a Border Force officer retains the right to refuse admission at the border.
The Current Fee
As of 8 April 2026, the ETA costs £20 per applicant. Each person travelling — including children and infants — requires a separate ETA. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Who Needs an ETA?
The ETA is required for nationals of approximately 85 countries who previously did not need a visa to visit the UK for short stays. This includes nationals of EU member states (since 2 April 2025), the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, among others.
You do not need an ETA if you:
- Are a British or Irish citizen (including dual nationals who hold British or Irish nationality — they must travel on their British or Irish passport)
- Hold a valid UK visa
- Have settled status, pre-settled status, or any other UK immigration permission
- Are a holder of a UK National (Overseas) passport with certain permissions
Use the official checker at gov.uk/check-uk-visa to confirm your specific requirement before applying.
How to Apply
Applications are made online at GOV.UK or through the free UK ETA app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play). The process requires:
- A valid biometric passport
- A digital photograph
- Answers to a short set of background and security questions
- Payment of £20
Most applicants receive an automatic decision within minutes via the app. The official guidance asks that you allow up to three working days for cases requiring further checks. It is recommended to apply before booking travel, though the system is designed to allow last-minute applications.
The ETA is linked to the passport number used during the application. If you renew your passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA before travelling.
What If Your ETA Is Refused?
An ETA refusal does not necessarily prevent travel to the UK permanently. Depending on the reason for refusal, options may include:
- Applying for a Standard Visitor Visa instead, which allows you to provide additional explanatory information about any concerns in your history
- Requesting reconsideration if the refusal was based on incorrect information
- Seeking immigration advice where the refusal relates to criminal history, previous UK entry refusals, or other immigration complications
An ETA refusal can be an indicator of an underlying issue in your travel or immigration history that may also affect future visa applications. It is worth understanding the reason before taking further steps.
ETAs and Family Immigration
For families where one partner holds UK settled status and the other is a visa-exempt national visiting the UK, the visiting partner needs an ETA (not a visa), provided they have no separate immigration permission. Where a visiting partner is intending to relocate to the UK, a spouse or partner visa application will be required — an ETA does not permit settlement or extended stay.
How JPS Can Help
If your ETA has been refused, or if you are unsure whether you or a family member requires an ETA or a visitor visa, we can advise. We also assist where an ETA or visitor refusal needs to be addressed as part of a longer-term immigration plan, including UK family visa applications.
IAA-Regulated Immigration Adviser & Founder, JPS Immigration
Former UK Home Office Immigration Officer & British Diplomatic Service Entry Clearance Officer
22+ years’ experience | BBC News contributor | LinkedIn profile
Immigration rules change frequently — always verify current fees and thresholds on GOV.UK before applying.
Government fees change without notice. Always verify at GOV.UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an ETA allow me to work in the UK?
No. An ETA only permits visits for tourism, family visits, and certain business activities (such as attending meetings). It does not permit employment, long-term study, or other regulated activities.
I have EU citizenship and a non-EU passport. Which nationality do I use?
You should apply for the ETA using the passport you intend to travel with. If you hold an EU passport, you need an ETA. If you are also a British or Irish citizen, you do not need an ETA but must travel on your British or Irish passport.
Can I extend my stay under an ETA?
No. A maximum of six months per visit applies. You cannot switch from an ETA to any immigration category from within the UK.
I applied through a third-party website and was charged more than £20. What should I do?
Only applications made through GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app are authorised. Third-party websites may charge a premium. The ETA itself is the same regardless of which channel was used, but some third-party services do not pass applications to the government correctly.
