Which countries need a UK ETA?

Nationals of countries that were previously visa-exempt for short visits to the UK now need an ETA. This includes EU countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. The ETA replaced the previous visa-free entry for short visits.

Do EU citizens need a UK ETA?

Yes. Since 2025, EU and EEA nationals need an ETA to visit the UK, unless they have existing UK immigration status such as settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Do I need an ETA or a visa?

If your country is on the ETA list, you need an ETA for short visits. If your country requires a visa to visit the UK, you apply for a visitor visa instead. The lists do not overlap — you need one or the other.

UK ETA Countries List 2026: Who Needs an ETA

Nationals of over 90 countries need a UK ETA for short visits. This includes all EU/EEA countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. This guide provides the full list and explains the distinction between ETA-required and visa-required nationalities.

How the ETA System Works

The UK divides nationalities into three categories for short visits:

ETA required. You must get an ETA before travelling (this guide).
Visa required. You must apply for a visitor visa before travelling.
Exempt. British and Irish citizens do not need either.

To check which category your nationality falls into, use the official GOV.UK visa checker.

Countries That Need an ETA

The following regions and countries require a UK ETA. This list covers the major nationalities but is not exhaustive — check GOV.UK for the complete list.

Europe (Non-UK)

All EU and EEA nationals need an ETA, including nationals of: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

EU nationals who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need an ETA.

Americas

United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and others.

Asia-Pacific

Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Brunei, and others. For Hong Kong BN(O) passport holders, separate rules may apply.

Middle East

United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and others.

Oceania

Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations that are visa-exempt.

Countries That Need a Visa (Not an ETA)

Nationals of some countries need a visitor visa rather than an ETA. This includes nationals of many countries in Africa, South Asia, and elsewhere. If your country requires a visa, the ETA does not apply to you.

See our do I need a visa to visit the UK guide to check your specific situation.

ETA for Transit

If you are transiting through the UK (connecting flights at a UK airport), you also need an ETA if your nationality is on the list. The same fee and validity apply.

Differences from a Visa

An ETA is not a visa. For a detailed comparison, see our ETA vs visa guide. Key differences:

ETA is cheaper (£10 vs £115+ for a visitor visa)
ETA is processed in minutes (vs weeks for a visa)
ETA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries
ETA does not require an interview or supporting documents

How to Apply

If your nationality requires an ETA, see our ETA application process guide for step-by-step instructions. Apply through the official GOV.UK service.

Next Steps

Check your nationality on GOV.UK. If you need an ETA, apply at least 3 days before you travel.

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