Travel permission (ETA)

What Is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permission that you must get before visiting the UK. It was introduced as part of the UK's plan to digitise its border and immigration system.

The ETA is not a visa. It is a simpler, faster form of pre-travel screening. If you are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa to visit the UK (a "non-visa national"), you now need an approved ETA before you travel.

The system is similar to the US ESTA, the Canadian eTA, and the EU ETIAS. If you have used any of those systems, the UK ETA will feel familiar.

Do I Need a UK ETA?

Whether you need an ETA depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Use our ETA checker for a quick answer, or read on for the details.

You Need an ETA If:

• You are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa to visit the UK (a non-visa national)
• You are visiting the UK for tourism, business meetings, short-term study (up to 6 months), or transit that passes through UK border control
• You do not hold a UK visa, British or Irish citizenship, or settled/pre-settled status

You Do Not Need an ETA If:

• You are a British or Irish citizen
• You have a valid UK visa (any category)
• You have settled status or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• You have a frontier worker permit
• You are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to visit the UK (you need a visitor visa instead)

Not sure if you need a visa or an ETA? Check our guide on whether you need a visa to visit the UK.

Which Countries Need an ETA?

The full list of ETA countries includes all non-visa nationals. Major countries that require an ETA include:

• Americas: United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico
• Europe: All EU/EEA countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong
• Middle East: UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia

The ETA was first rolled out to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2023, then expanded to all other non-visa nationals in 2024-2025.

How to Apply

The ETA application process is straightforward:

1. Download the UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android) or visit the GOV.UK website.
2. Scan your passport. The app uses your phone's camera to read the chip in your biometric passport.
3. Take a selfie. This is used for facial recognition and matched against your passport photo.
4. Answer screening questions. Basic questions about your travel history, criminal record, and health.
5. Pay the fee. £20, payable by debit or credit card.
6. Receive your decision. Most applications are approved within minutes. You will receive an email or notification.

You do not receive a physical document. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport. Airlines and border officers can see it in their systems.

Cost and Validity

The ETA costs £20 per person. Children, including babies, each need their own ETA.

• Valid for: 2 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
• Multiple entries: You can use the same ETA for multiple visits during the validity period
• Stay length: Each visit can be up to 6 months (standard visitor rules apply)

If you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA, even if your previous ETA has not expired. For a comparison of all UK immigration costs, see our visa fees guide.

ETA vs Visa: What Is the Difference?

The key differences between an ETA and a visa are:

• Purpose: An ETA is for short visits only. A visa can cover work, study, family, or long-term residence.
• Cost: An ETA costs £20. Visitor visas start at £135 and work visas cost much more.
• Processing time: An ETA is usually approved in minutes. Visas take weeks or months.
• Rights: An ETA gives you visitor rights only. You cannot work (except for permitted business activities like attending meetings). A visa gives you the specific rights stated on it.
• Application method: An ETA is entirely digital. Many visa categories require attending a visa application centre for biometrics.

Using Your ETA

Once approved, you simply travel to the UK with the passport linked to your ETA. At check-in and at the UK border, the ETA is checked automatically against your passport details.

You do not need to print anything. You do not need to show a confirmation email. However, it is good practice to keep the confirmation email in case of any issues.

What Can You Do With an ETA?

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Visiting family and friends
• Business meetings, conferences, and negotiations (but not employment)
• Short-term study courses (up to 6 months)
• Medical treatment (private)
• Transit through the UK (an ETA is only needed if you pass through border control)

What You Cannot Do

• Work for a UK employer (paid or unpaid)
• Start a business
• Study for longer than 6 months
• Live in the UK permanently
• Access public funds
• Get married or form a civil partnership (you need a separate Marriage Visitor visa)

Transit and the ETA

If you are transiting through the UK, whether you need an ETA depends on your route:

• Airside transit (staying in the airport without passing through UK border control): You do not need an ETA. Some nationalities need a Direct Airside Transit visa instead, which costs £41.50.
• Landside transit (passing through UK border control, for example to change airports or collect luggage): You need an ETA. Visa nationals need a Visitor in Transit visa instead, which costs £74.50.

Both transit visa fees can change slightly depending on the country you apply from. Your airline can confirm whether your route keeps you airside, and GOV.UK lists every exemption on its when you do not need an ETA page.

What If My ETA Is Refused?

If your ETA is refused, you will receive a notification explaining the decision. Common reasons for refusal include:

• A criminal record (particularly for serious offences)
• Previous immigration violations (overstaying, deportation, or removal from the UK)
• Security concerns
• Providing false information in the application

If refused, you may still be able to apply for a standard visitor visa, which involves a more detailed application and allows you to provide additional supporting evidence.

Common Questions

Do Children Need an ETA?

Yes. Every traveller, regardless of age, needs their own ETA. A parent or guardian can apply on behalf of a child.

Can I Apply for Someone Else?

Yes. You can submit an ETA application on behalf of another person, such as a child, elderly relative, or travel companion. You will need their passport and a photo.

What If I Lose My Passport?

If your passport is lost, stolen, or replaced, your ETA becomes invalid. You must apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport.

Can I Be Refused Entry Even With an ETA?

Yes. An ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK, but a Border Force officer makes the final decision on entry. If they have concerns (for example, about the purpose or length of your visit), they can refuse you entry.

When to Apply

An ETA application is usually made at least 3 days before the planned travel. While most applications are approved in minutes, some require additional checks that can take up to 3 working days or longer.

There is no minimum time before travel to apply. You can apply weeks or months in advance. Since the ETA is valid for 2 years, applying early has no downside.

Next Steps

If you are planning a trip to the UK, check whether you need an ETA or a visa using the GOV.UK visa checker tool. If you need an ETA, download the app and apply at least 3 days before travel.

Related guides:

• Do I need a UK ETA?
• Full list of ETA countries
• How to apply for an ETA
• ETA cost and validity
• UK Visitor Visa guide
• Do I need a visa to visit the UK?

Questions and answers