Who does not need a UK ETA?

British citizens, Irish citizens, and people with existing UK immigration status (such as a visa, ILR, or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme) do not need an ETA. British Overseas Territories citizens are also exempt.

What happens if I arrive without an ETA?

If you are required to have an ETA and arrive without one, you may be refused entry to the UK. Airlines and carriers may also refuse to board you. Always obtain your ETA before travelling.

UK ETA Requirements 2026: Who Needs One and Who Is Exempt

Q: Who needs a UK ETA?

From 2026, nationals of countries that do not need a visa to visit the UK must obtain an ETA before travelling. This includes nationals of the USA, EU countries, Australia, Japan, and many others. The ETA replaces the previous system of simply arriving without prior authorisation.

Most visitors to the UK who previously did not need a visa now need an ETA. This includes nationals of the USA, EU countries, Australia, and many others. This guide helps you check whether you need one.

What Is the UK ETA?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permission that you must obtain before visiting the UK. It was introduced as part of the UK's move to a fully digital border system. For full details, see our ETA complete guide.

The ETA is not a visa. It is a pre-travel authorisation for people who do not need a visa for short visits. Think of it as similar to the US ESTA or the EU ETIAS.

You Need an ETA If...

You need a UK ETA if all of the following apply:

You are a national of a country on the ETA countries list
You are visiting the UK for tourism, business, or transit
You do not have a UK visa, ILR, or EU Settlement Scheme status
You are not a British or Irish citizen

The GOV.UK ETA page has the official eligibility checker.

You Do NOT Need an ETA If...

British citizen. You have the right to enter the UK freely.
Irish citizen. Under the Common Travel Area, Irish citizens do not need permission to enter the UK.
You have a UK visa. If you hold any valid UK visa (visitor, student, work), you do not need an ETA.
You have ILR or settled status. Permanent residents do not need an ETA.
You have pre-settled status. Under the EU Settlement Scheme, pre-settled status holders do not need an ETA.
You need a visa to visit the UK. If your nationality requires a visitor visa, you apply for a visitor visa instead of an ETA.

Common Countries That Need an ETA

As of 2026, nationals of these countries (among many others) need an ETA:

United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
All EU and EEA countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.)
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia
Brazil, Argentina, Mexico
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar

For the complete list, see our ETA countries list. If your country is not on the list, you may need a visitor visa instead.

Transit Through the UK

If you are transiting through the UK (connecting to another flight), you may still need an ETA. See our ETA for UK transit guide and the transit requirements guide.

How to Get an ETA

The ETA application process is simple and done through the UK ETA app or online. It costs £10 and is valid for 2 years. Most applications are approved within minutes.

What If My ETA Is Refused?

If your ETA application is refused, you cannot travel to the UK without a visa. You may need to apply for a visitor visa instead.

Next Steps

If you need an ETA, apply through the official GOV.UK ETA service before you book your travel.

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