UK Electronic Travel Authorisation

What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

The UK ETA is a new entry authorisation required for travellers from certain countries. Advance permission to travel or transit through the UK is required for travellers who don’t have a VISA or UK immigration status. An ETA allows travel to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons.

  • EU trade members (except Ireland)

  • European Free Trade Association

  • Andorra

  • Antigua and Barbuda

  • Argentina

  • Australia

  • Bahamas

  • Bahrain

  • Barbados

  • Belize

  • Brazil

  • Brunei

  • Canda

  • Chile

  • Costa Rica

  • Grenada

  • Guatemala

  • Guyana

Who Needs to Apply?

Visitors who did not previously need a visa for short stays are now required to have an ETA:

  • Hong Kong

  • Israel

  • Japan

  • Kiribati

  • Kuwait

  • Macau

  • Malaysia

  • Maldives

  • Marshall Islands

  • Mauritius

  • Mexico

  • Miconesia

  • Monaco

  • New Zealand

  • Nicaragua

  • Oman

  • Palau

  • Panama

  • Papua new Guinea

  • Paraguay

  • Peru

  • Qatar

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis

  • Saint Lucia

  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines

  • Samoa

  • San Marino

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Seychelles

  • Singapore

  • Solomon Islands

  • South Korea

  • Taiwan

  • Tonga

  • Tuvalu

  • United States

  • United Arab Emirates

  • Uruguay

  • Vatican City

Sign that reads "Welcome to UK Border Control" with a UK flag display.

Who doesn’t need to apply for an ETA?

You don’t need an ETA to travel to the UK if:

  • You’re a British or Irish citizen

  • You have a Visa for the UK

  • You’re travelling through a UK Airport and will not pass border control

  • You have permission to live, work or study in the UK

  • You have a British overseas territories citizen passport

How to Apply:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

When Did This New Rule Come Into Effect?

This new travel system was first introduced in October 2023, but has since come into full effect as of 25 February 2026.

Airlines, rail companies and shipping companies all have tools from the UK government to verify ETAs at digital check points. You may not be able to board without a valid ETA.

A passport resting on an airline seat pocket with a blurred airplane window and blue sky in the background.

  • How Long it Lasts: A UK ETA is valid for two years and permits a visit to the UK for a duration of six months.

Key Information:

  • Application Fee: £16/$22/€19. Each traveller must have an individual application.

  • Processing time: Applications are usually processed within three working days.

  • New/Multiple Passports: A new UK ETA will be needed when a traveller has a new passport. Travellers with multiple passports must travel with the passport the ETA is linked to.