Countries that need travel permission (ETA)
The UK ETA applies to nationals of countries that were previously visa-exempt for short visits. This guide provides the complete list of nationalities that require an ETA and explains how to check your own eligibility.
- Section
- ETA
- Reading time
- 8 min
- Last checked
- 2 September 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- 83 nationalities and territories need a UK ETA for short visits.
- All EU and EEA nationals need an ETA (unless they have UK immigration status).
- USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many other nationalities need an ETA.
- Visa-required nationals apply for a visitor visa, not an ETA.
Nationals of 83 countries and territories 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. The complete list of 83 nationalities and territories is in the Immigration Rules ETA national list.
Europe (Non-UK)
All EU and EEA nationals need an ETA, including nationals of: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, 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. Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City are on the list as well. Ireland is not: Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
EU nationals who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need an ETA.
Americas and the Caribbean
United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. In the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Nicaragua and St Lucia are not on the list — since 5 March 2026 their nationals need a visit visa.
Asia
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, the Maldives, Taiwan, and the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions. For Hong Kong British National (Overseas) passport holders, separate rules apply.
Africa and the Indian Ocean
Mauritius and Seychelles. Botswana is not on the list — since 14 October 2025 its nationals need a visit visa.
Middle East
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Israel.
Oceania
Australia, New Zealand, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu. Nauru is not on the list — since 9 December 2025 its nationals need a visit visa.
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.
Four countries were added to the visa national list recently, so their nationals need a visit visa and cannot use an ETA: Botswana (from 14 October 2025), Nauru (from 9 December 2025), and Nicaragua and St Lucia (both from 5 March 2026).
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, you need an ETA only if you pass through UK border control. If you stay airside — in the airport, without passing through border control — you do not need one, whatever your nationality. Where an ETA is needed, 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 (£20 vs £135+ 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.
Related guides:
Questions and answers
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.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.