Planning a trip to the United Kingdom now requires one important step before boarding your flight.
As of February 25, 2026, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers, including citizens of the European Union.
If you previously traveled to the UK without a visa, you must now obtain a UK ETA before departure. This digital authorization is linked directly to your passport and checked automatically when you travel.
This UK ETA Visa Guide explains who needs an ETA, how the application works, how much it costs, and what to expect when arriving in the UK.
What Is the UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permission required for visitors who previously entered the UK without a visa.
It is not a visa. Instead, it is an online pre-travel authorization linked electronically to your passport.
The system allows UK authorities to screen travelers before arrival while keeping travel simple for tourists and short-term business visitors.
Similar travel authorization systems already exist in other countries:
- United States — ESTA
- Canada — eTA
- Australia — eVisitor
Once approved, the ETA allows eligible travelers to visit the UK for short stays without applying for a traditional visa.
Who Needs a UK ETA in 2026?
In 2026, the UK ETA is required for all travelers from visa-free countries, including visitors from:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Gulf Cooperation Council countries
- European Union countries
If you previously entered the UK without a visa, you must now obtain UK ETA approval before traveling.
You can also check the full list of countries eligible for the UK ETA system before applying.
However, the following travelers do not need a UK ETA:
- British citizens
- Irish citizens
- travelers who already hold a valid UK visa
- individuals with UK residency permission
- people with settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Important for Dual Citizens
Travelers who hold British citizenship together with another nationality must follow special rules.
If you hold a British passport as well as another passport (for example US or EU citizenship), you cannot apply for a UK ETA.
Instead, you must either:
- travel using your British passport, or
- have a Certificate of Entitlement placed in your foreign passport.
Airlines will verify your immigration status digitally in real time during boarding. If you are a British citizen, your foreign passport will not automatically trigger an ETA exemption unless it is linked to a valid Certificate of Entitlement. Without this verification, passengers may be denied boarding.
Do Transit Passengers Need a UK ETA?
Transit rules depend on how you connect through a UK airport.
Airside Transit (Temporary Exemption)
If you remain in the international transit area and do not pass through UK border control, you may not currently need a UK ETA.
A temporary exemption was announced in March 2026 following feedback from the aviation industry, allowing some transit passengers to connect flights without obtaining an ETA.
However, this exemption is not guaranteed to remain permanent. Travelers should always check the latest UK government guidance before departure, as the policy could change.
Landside Transit (ETA Required)
You must obtain a UK ETA if your connection requires you to:
- pass through UK border control
- collect checked baggage
- re-check luggage for another flight
- leave the airport during a layover
In these cases, an approved UK ETA is mandatory before travel, and airlines may refuse boarding if authorization is missing.
Do Babies and Children Need a UK ETA?
Yes.
Every traveler must have their own ETA approval regardless of age.
This means:
- infants
- children
- teenagers
all require individual ETA authorization linked to their passport.
Parents or guardians can submit the application on behalf of children.
How to Apply for a UK ETA
Applying for a UK ETA is quick and fully digital, and most travelers complete the process in less than 10 minutes. Below is the step-by-step process to complete your application.
Step 1 — Complete the Online Application
Start by filling out the application through the official UK government website or the UK ETA mobile app.
Travelers should complete this step before traveling to the United Kingdom, ideally at least 72 hours before departure to avoid any unexpected delays.
You will need to provide:
- passport information
- personal details
- travel plans
- answers to basic security questions
Make sure all information matches the details shown on your passport.
You can submit your application through the official UK ETA application page before traveling.
Step 2 — Scan Your Passport
During the application, you will be asked to scan or upload your passport.
Your passport must be:
- biometric
- valid for travel
- issued by an eligible country
The UK ETA mobile app is now the preferred method, as it uses NFC technology to read the chip inside biometric passports instantly. This often reduces processing times to just a few minutes.
Step 3 — Pay the Application Fee
The current official UK ETA fee is £16 per application.
Payment is completed online using a credit or debit card.
Note: While the current fee is £16, discussions in Parliament suggest the fee may increase to £20 later in 2026.
Step 4 — Receive ETA Approval
Most applications are processed quickly.
Typical approval times include:
- within minutes
- several hours
- occasionally up to 72 hours
Once approved, the ETA is digitally linked to your passport, so you do not need to print anything when traveling.
Using the UK ETA Mobile App
The fastest way to apply for a UK ETA is through the official UK ETA mobile app, available for both iPhone and Android devices. The app allows travelers to complete the application directly from their phone in just a few minutes.
With the app, you can:
- scan your passport using your phone’s camera
- upload your photo instantly
- complete the application more quickly
Using the mobile app helps reduce errors and often speeds up the overall application process.
How Long Is a UK ETA Valid?
A UK ETA is generally valid for:
2 years OR until the passport expires
During this period, travelers can enter the UK multiple times.
Typical permitted stay:
- up to 6 months for tourism
- up to 6 months for business visits
- short-term study programs
The ETA therefore functions as a multi-entry travel authorization.
What Happens When You Arrive in the UK?
Having an ETA does not replace border control. Travelers must still pass through UK Border Force checks.
However, many visitors can use automated systems.
Travelers can review how the UK border control process works on arrival before entering the country.
eGates (Automated Passport Control)
Eligible travelers can use electronic passport gates at major UK airports.
The system checks:
- passport data
- biometric information
- ETA authorization
If everything matches, the gate opens automatically.
Border Officer Questions
Some travelers may briefly speak with a border officer.
Common questions include:
- purpose of your visit
- length of stay
- accommodation plans
This is a normal immigration procedure.
UK ETA vs UK Visa
Many travelers confuse ETA authorization with a traditional visa.
| Feature | UK ETA | UK Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application time | Minutes | Several weeks |
| Purpose | Tourism, short business visits | Work, study, long stays |
| Validity | Up to 2 years | Depends on visa type |
| Process | Online approval | Full visa application |
Travelers planning to work, live, or study long-term in the UK must apply for a visa.
When Should You Apply for a UK ETA?
Although approval can be fast, applying early is strongly recommended. Most applications are processed within minutes or a few hours, but in some cases it may take up to 72 hours.
Travel experts generally recommend submitting your UK ETA application at least 72 hours before departure to avoid any unexpected delays.
Applying a few days before travel provides extra time in case additional checks are required. Airlines may refuse boarding if travelers do not have a valid UK ETA before departure.
Traveling to Jersey, Guernsey & the Isle of Man
From April 2026, a valid UK ETA is also required for direct travel to the Crown Dependencies:
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- Isle of Man
One ETA covers travel within the Common Travel Area, meaning the same authorization can be used for the UK and these territories.
What Happens If Your ETA Is Refused?
Most applications are approved, but refusals can happen.
Possible reasons include:
- incorrect passport information
- previous immigration violations
- criminal history
- security concerns
If an ETA application is refused, travelers may still apply for a standard UK visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does UK ETA approval take?
Most applications are approved within minutes or a few hours. In rare cases, processing may take up to 72 hours.
Do I need to print my ETA approval?
No. The ETA is digitally linked to your passport.
However, due to airline boarding protocols introduced in March 2026, keeping a digital copy on your phone is recommended.
Do transit passengers need a UK ETA?
It depends. Airside transit passengers do not need an ETA, but travelers passing through border control during a connection must obtain one.
Do children need their own ETA?
Yes. Every traveler, including babies and children, must have their own UK ETA approval.
Final Thoughts
The UK ETA system is now a standard part of travel to the United Kingdom.
While it adds one additional step before departure, the application process is fast and fully digital.
Once approved, your ETA is automatically linked to your passport — allowing you to focus on the journey rather than paperwork.
Understanding the rules in advance ensures a smooth arrival when visiting the UK in 2026.