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United Kingdom · Travel authorisation

UK ETA: who needs one and how to apply

By the Visa Almanac editorial teamChange logUpdated 6 Nov 2026

In brief

Most visitors need either an ETA or a visa, depending on nationality and purpose; people from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and certain other countries usually need an ETA rather than a visa.1 An ETA costs £20, whether you apply online or in the UK ETA app, and it is not refundable.2 An ETA lasts 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner, and allows unlimited trips in that time.2

Apply only on the official site: gov.uk/eta, or in the official UK ETA app. Other websites are not the government's.

Checked 6 Nov 2026Source: UK Home OfficeReport a change

Independent reference, not a government website. We don't issue visas or sell visa services.

ContentsIn brief
  1. In brief
  2. At a glance
  3. Who needs a UK ETA
  4. Who doesn't need one
  5. Official website
  6. Fee
  7. Fee history
  8. Validity and stay
  9. How to apply
  10. Warnings about other sites
  11. Processing time
  12. Transit
  13. Visa instead
  14. Recent changes
  15. UK ETA for US citizens
  16. UK ETA for Canadians
  17. UK ETA for Indian citizens
  18. FAQ
  19. Sources
  20. About this page

UK ETA at a glance

Who needs itGOV.UK lists 82 nationalities (including associated territories) that can apply for an ETA now.3
FeeAn ETA costs £20, whether you apply online or in the UK ETA app, and it is not refundable.2
Valid forAn ETA lasts 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner, and allows unlimited trips in that time.2
Stay per visitAn ETA lets you travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for up to 6 months; it does not guarantee entry.1
Where to applyApply in the UK ETA app (Google Play or App Store) or online on GOV.UK; if you cannot download the app, apply online.2
Official websiteapply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk2check-your-travel-permission.homeoffice.gov.uk4gov.uk5
Official appUK ETA app2
DecisionA decision usually arrives by email within a day but can take up to 3 working days; do not travel until you have the email confirming the ETA.2

Who needs a UK ETA

  • Most visitors need either an ETA or a visa, depending on nationality and purpose; people from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and certain other countries usually need an ETA rather than a visa.

    Most visitors need an ETA or a visa. What you need depends on: your nationality why you’re coming to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man You usually need an ETA rather than a visa if you’re from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries.UK Home Office · checked

  • GOV.UK lists 82 nationalities (including associated territories) that can apply for an ETA now.

    Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an ETA now.UK Home Office · checked

    Show the list: 82 countries and territories
    • Andorra
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Argentina
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • Bahamas
    • Bahrain
    • Barbados
    • Belgium
    • Belize
    • Brazil
    • Brunei
    • Bulgaria
    • Canada
    • Chile
    • Costa Rica
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czechia
    • Denmark
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Grenada
    • Guatemala
    • Guyana
    • Hong Kong
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Kiribati
    • Kuwait
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Macao
    • Malaysia
    • Maldives
    • Malta
    • Marshall Islands
    • Mauritius
    • Mexico
    • Micronesia
    • Monaco
    • Netherlands
    • New Zealand
    • Norway
    • Oman
    • Palau
    • Panama
    • Papua New Guinea
    • Paraguay
    • Peru
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Qatar
    • Romania
    • Saint Kitts and Nevis
    • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
    • Samoa
    • San Marino
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Seychelles
    • Singapore
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Solomon Islands
    • South Korea
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Tonga
    • Tuvalu
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United States
    • Uruguay
    • Vatican City

  • Taiwan passport holders can apply for an ETA only if the passport includes the number of the Taiwan identification card; other Taiwan passports need a visa.

    You can also apply for an ETA now if you have a passport issued by Taiwan which includes the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan.UK Home Office · checked

  • Nationalities not on the list cannot get an ETA and should check whether they need a visa.

    Other nationalities cannot get an ETA. Check if you need a visa instead.UK Home Office · checked

  • The legal list in the Immigration Rules (Appendix ETA National List) matches the GOV.UK list, with the dates each group became subject to the ETA requirement (Qatar from 15 November 2023, other Gulf states from 22 February 2024, most non-European nationalities from 8 January 2025, European nationalities from 2 April 2025).

    ETANL 1.1. Nationalities of the following locations (including countries and associated territories) are subject to the requirement to obtain an ETA for travel to the UK, pursuant to Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation: (a) for travel to the UK on or after 15 November 2023: Qatar (b) for travel to the UK on or after 22 February 2024: ... (c) for travel to the UK on or after 8 January 2025: ... (d) travelling to the UK on or after 2 April 2025:UK Home Office · checked

Who doesn't need a UK ETA

  • You do not need an ETA if you are a British or Irish citizen, have a UK visa, or have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode) or in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • Also exempt: airside transit passengers, holders of British overseas territories citizen or British National (Overseas) passports, residents of Ireland travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, children on the France-UK school trip travel information form, people exempt from immigration control, and people waiting for an EU Settlement Scheme decision.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • Dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship cannot get an ETA; they travel on a valid British or Irish passport, or another passport with a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • Residents of Ireland who are from an ETA country do not need an ETA when entering from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man; nationals of visa countries still need a visa. Those aged 16 or over must bring an original Irish-government document, such as an Irish driving licence or Irish Residence Permit.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • Under the Immigration Rules, school parties of 5 or more pupils organised by a school in France (aged 18 or under) or in Germany (aged 19 or under) do not need ETAs.

    UK Home Office · checked

Official website and app

How much a UK ETA costs

  • An ETA costs £20, whether you apply online or in the UK ETA app, and it is not refundable.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • The Home Office fee table in force from 8 October 2026 lists the ETA at £20, with no change.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • The ETA fee rose from £16 to £20 on 8 April 2026 (Home Office fee table for 8 April 2026: current fee, fee from 8 April 2026, change).

    UK Home Office · checked

  • Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children; you can apply for other people.

    UK Home Office · checked

UK ETA fee history

Each amount with the act or notice that set it, newest first.

  1. From 8 April 2026 (9.00 a.m.) the fee for an ETA is GBP 20. Set by: The Immigration, Nationality and Passports (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/311), amending Schedule 3, Table 10, fee 10.7A.1 of the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018. UK legislation (legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives), Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018, Schedule 3, latest revised version · checked
  2. From 9 April 2025 (9.00 a.m.) the fee for an ETA was GBP 16. Set by: The Immigration, Nationality and Passport (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/363). UK legislation (legislation.gov.uk), Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018, Schedule 3 as it stood on 7 April 2026 · checked
  3. The ETA fee of GBP 10 was added to the fee regulations from 25 October 2023. Set by: The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1004), regulation 5. UK legislation (legislation.gov.uk), Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018, Schedule 3 as it stood on 8 April 2025 · checked

How long a UK ETA lasts and what it allows

  • An ETA lasts 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner, and allows unlimited trips in that time.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • The Immigration Rules set the same validity: 2 years from the date of grant or until the passport used in the application expires.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • The ETA is linked to the passport you applied with; you only show that passport when you travel.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • An ETA lets you travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for up to 6 months; it does not guarantee entry.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • With an ETA you can come for up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, a business trip or short-term study, up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession, for a permitted paid engagement, or to transit landside.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • An ETA does not allow stays over 6 months, work (except permitted paid engagements or the Creative Worker concession), public funds, living in the UK through frequent visits, or marriage or civil partnership.

    UK Home Office · checked

How to apply for a UK ETA

Apply only on the official site: gov.uk/eta, or in the official UK ETA app. Other websites are not the government's.

  • Apply in the UK ETA app (Google Play or App Store) or online on GOV.UK; if you cannot download the app, apply online.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • You need the passport you will travel with, an email address and a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, plus photos of the applicant's face.

    UK Home Office · checked

Official warnings about other sites

Only what governments, regulators and courts have published, quoted word for word. We don't label any website ourselves.

  • GOV.UK warns that other websites may charge more and imitate government services.

    Other websites may charge more to apply. Avoid websites that imitate government services.UK Home Office · checked

  • Using another website or app does not get you a faster decision.

    You cannot get a faster decision by applying through another website or app.UK Home Office · checked

  • The Home Office says an ETA costs GBP 20 and that other application services may charge a higher fee than the UK Government.

    An ETA currently costs £20 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. Other application services may charge a higher fee than the UK Government.UK Home Office · checked

  • For people who applied through a fraudulent website, the Home Office points to the official GOV.UK website and says anyone who believes they are a victim of an immigration internet scam should report it on GOV.UK.

    What do people do if they apply through a fraudulent website? We direct those eligible for an ETA to find out information about applying on the official GOV.UK website. If someone believes they have been victim to an immigration internet scam, they should report it on GOV.UKUK Home Office · checked

How long a UK ETA takes

  • A decision usually arrives by email within a day but can take up to 3 working days; do not travel until you have the email confirming the ETA.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • The Home Office says most applicants get an automatic decision within minutes, but recommends allowing up to 3 working days.

    UK Home Office · checked

Transit through the UK

  • An ETA is needed if you pass through border control at a UK airport before your onward journey (landside transit); airside transit is exempt.

    UK Home Office · checked

When to apply for a visa instead

  • People with a criminal record or a previous refusal of entry may want to apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead; for other purposes, check whether a visa is needed.

    UK Home Office · checked

Recent changes

  1. Since 25 February 2026 the ETA is mandatory: airlines stop passengers boarding without an ETA, eVisa or other valid documentation. UK Home Office · checked
  2. Nicaragua and St Lucia were removed from ETA eligibility when the UK introduced a visit visa requirement for them, effective 15:00 GMT on 5 March 2026. UK Home Office · checked
  3. The ETA fee rose from £16 to £20 on 8 April 2026 (Home Office fee table for 8 April 2026: current fee, fee from 8 April 2026, change). UK Home Office · checked
  4. From 22 September 2026, carriers may be fined when they bring a passenger who needs an ETA or other permission but does not have it. UK Home Office · checked

UK ETA for US citizens

ETA, up to 6 months per visit

UK Home Office · checked

  • The US is on GOV.UK's list of nationalities that can apply for an ETA. GOV.UK lists 82 nationalities (including associated territories) that can apply for an ETA now.

    UK Home Office · checked

Everything for this trip: United Kingdom visa for US citizens.

UK ETA for Canadians

ETA, up to 6 months per visit

UK Home Office · checked

  • Canada is on GOV.UK's list of nationalities that can apply for an ETA. GOV.UK lists 82 nationalities (including associated territories) that can apply for an ETA now.

    UK Home Office · checked

Everything for this trip: United Kingdom visa for Canadians.

UK ETA for Indian citizens

Visa required

UK Home Office · checked

  • India is not on GOV.UK's list of nationalities that can apply for an ETA. GOV.UK lists 82 nationalities (including associated territories) that can apply for an ETA now.

    UK Home Office · checked

  • Nationalities not on the list cannot get an ETA and should check whether they need a visa.

    UK Home Office · checked

Everything for this trip: United Kingdom visa for Indian citizens.

FAQ

How much is a UK ETA?

An ETA costs £20, whether you apply online or in the UK ETA app, and it is not refundable. Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children; you can apply for other people.

How long does a UK ETA take?

A decision usually arrives by email within a day but can take up to 3 working days; do not travel until you have the email confirming the ETA. The Home Office says most applicants get an automatic decision within minutes, but recommends allowing up to 3 working days.

How do I apply for a UK ETA?

Apply in the UK ETA app (Google Play or App Store) or online on GOV.UK; if you cannot download the app, apply online. You need the passport you will travel with, an email address and a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, plus photos of the applicant's face. GOV.UK warns that other websites may charge more and imitate government services.

What are the new entry requirements for the UK in 2026?

Since 25 February 2026 the ETA is mandatory: airlines stop passengers boarding without an ETA, eVisa or other valid documentation. From 22 September 2026, carriers may be fined when they bring a passenger who needs an ETA or other permission but does not have it. The ETA fee rose from £16 to £20 on 8 April 2026 (Home Office fee table for 8 April 2026: current fee, fee from 8 April 2026, change).

Do US citizens need a UK ETA?

US citizens: ETA, up to 6 months per visit, according to UK Home Office, checked 6 Nov 2026. The US is on GOV.UK's list of nationalities that can apply for an ETA. See UK ETA for US citizens.

Do I need a UK ETA to change planes in the UK?

An ETA is needed if you pass through border control at a UK airport before your onward journey (landside transit); airside transit is exempt.

Sources

Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.

  1. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): who needs a UK ETA, fee, validity and stay, warnings about other sites and transitgov.uk · checked
  2. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): official website, fee, validity and stay, how to apply, warnings about other sites and processing timegov.uk · checked
  3. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): who needs a UK ETA and by nationalitygov.uk · checked
  4. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): official websitegov.uk · checked
  5. UK Home Office (Home Office in the media blog, ETA factsheet, April 2026): official website and warnings about other siteshomeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk · checked
  6. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): who needs a UK ETA and entry rulesgov.uk · checked
  7. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): who doesn't need onegov.uk · checked
  8. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): who doesn't need one and validity and staygov.uk · checked
  9. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): feegov.uk · checked
  10. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): fee and recent changesgov.uk · checked
  11. UK legislation (legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives), Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018, Schedule 3, latest revised version: fee historylegislation.gov.uk · checked
  12. UK legislation (legislation.gov.uk), Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018, Schedule 3 as it stood on 7 April 2026: fee historylegislation.gov.uk · checked
  13. UK legislation (legislation.gov.uk), Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018, Schedule 3 as it stood on 8 April 2025: fee historylegislation.gov.uk · checked
  14. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): validity and stay and visa insteadgov.uk · checked
  15. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): processing time and recent changesgov.uk · checked
  16. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): recent changesgov.uk · checked
  17. UK Home Office (GOV.UK): recent changesgov.uk · checked
  18. UK Home Office (Immigration Rules): entry rulesgov.uk · checked

More: United Kingdom entry rules by nationality · all visa guides.

About this page

By the Visa Almanac editorial team. Every rule, fee and date on this page comes from the official sources listed above, each read on the day shown; where they are silent, we say so. Editorial policy · Change log

Updated
6 Nov 2026
Last checked
Official sources
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