UK ETA 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the Electronic Travel Authorisation

What Is the UK ETA?

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital travel permission that visitors to the United Kingdom must obtain before travelling. It is a pre-screening system designed to identify security risks before travellers arrive at UK borders.

The ETA is similar to other electronic travel authorisation systems used around the world:

• US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) — required for the US Visa Waiver Program
• Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — required for visa-exempt visitors to Canada
• Australia ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) — required for many visitors to Australia
• EU ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) — expected to launch for visitors to the Schengen Area

The UK ETA was introduced as part of the UK's post-Brexit immigration framework. It applies to non-visa nationals — people from countries whose citizens can visit the UK without needing a full visa. Previously, these travellers could simply arrive at a UK airport or port with their passport and enter. Now, they must obtain an ETA in advance.

Key Facts at a Glance

Who Needs a UK ETA?

The UK ETA is required for all non-visa nationals who want to visit the UK. Non-visa nationals are citizens of countries that have a visa-free agreement with the UK — meaning they can visit for short periods without applying for a full visa.

You need a UK ETA if you are a citizen of a country on the non-visa nationals list AND you plan to:

• Visit the UK as a tourist
• Visit family or friends in the UK
• Attend business meetings or conferences
• Take a short course of study (up to 6 months)
• Receive private medical treatment
• Transit through the UK (in most cases)
• Attend a job interview (but not work)
• Take part in sporting or creative events

The ETA was rolled out in phases:

• November 2024: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE
• January 2025: All other non-visa nationals outside Europe
• 2 April 2025: EU and EEA nationals

As of February 2026, all non-visa nationals need an ETA to visit the UK, regardless of nationality.

Who Does NOT Need a UK ETA?

The following people are exempt from the ETA requirement:

• British citizens (including those with dual nationality who have a British passport)
• Irish citizens (covered by the Common Travel Area arrangement)
• People with a valid UK visa (any type — work visa, student visa, family visa, etc.)
• People with an eVisa (digital immigration status in the UK)
• EU Settlement Scheme holders (settled or pre-settled status)
• People with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• People with right of abode in the UK
• People with a UK Frontier Worker permit
• S2 Healthcare Visitor visa holders

EU Citizens and the UK ETA

One of the biggest changes brought by the ETA system is its application to EU and EEA citizens. Before Brexit, EU citizens could travel freely to the UK without any form of pre-authorisation. After Brexit, they could still visit visa-free but without any digital pre-screening. Since 2 April 2025, EU citizens must now obtain an ETA before visiting the UK.

Which EU/EEA Citizens Need an ETA?

Citizens of all EU member states and EEA countries need an ETA to visit the UK. This includes citizens of:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (exempt), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

EU Citizens Who Already Live in the UK

If you are an EU citizen who lives in the UK and has settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do NOT need an ETA. Your settled or pre-settled status gives you the right to live and work in the UK, and your eVisa serves as your immigration document. The ETA is only for EU citizens who are visiting the UK as tourists or short-term visitors.

How to Apply for a UK ETA

Applying for a UK ETA is a straightforward digital process. You can apply through the official UK ETA app or online.

Method 1: UK ETA App (Recommended)

Method 2: Online Application

You can also apply online at gov.uk/apply-electronic-travel-authorisation. The online process follows the same steps but may require you to upload a photograph of your passport rather than scanning the NFC chip. The app method is generally faster and more reliable.

Cost and Payment

The UK ETA costs £10 per person. Key facts about the cost:

• The fee is the same for all nationalities
• Children of all ages need their own ETA and pay the full £10
• The fee is non-refundable — if your application is refused, you do not get your money back
• Payment is by debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Family applications: each family member is a separate application with a separate £10 fee

For a family of four, the total cost would be £40. For a couple, £20. While modest per person, the cost does add up for larger groups.

Processing Time

The UK government states that ETA applications are usually processed within 3 working days. In practice:

• Most applications: Approved within a few hours to 1 working day
• Some applications: Take the full 3 working days
• Flagged applications: Can take longer if your application is referred for additional security checks

You will receive an email notification when your ETA is approved or refused. Your ETA is linked to your passport electronically — there is no physical document or sticker. Airlines will verify your ETA status when you check in using your passport details.

How Long Is a UK ETA Valid?

A UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.

During the validity period:

• You can make multiple trips to the UK
• Each visit can last up to 6 months
• There is no limit on the number of visits, but UK border officers may question frequent visitors about their intentions
• The ETA is linked to your passport number — if you get a new passport, you need a new ETA

When You Need a New ETA

• Your current ETA has expired (after 2 years)
• You have obtained a new passport (even if the old one has not expired)
• Your personal details have changed (name, nationality)
• Your previous ETA was revoked

ETA vs eVisa: Understanding the Difference

One of the most common points of confusion is the difference between a UK ETA and a UK eVisa. They are completely separate systems for different groups of people.

In simple terms: If you live in the UK, you have an eVisa. If you are visiting the UK, you may need an ETA. They are not interchangeable.

What a UK ETA Allows (and Does Not Allow)

What You CAN Do on an ETA

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Visiting family and friends
• Attending business meetings, conferences, and seminars
• Short courses of study (up to 6 months, not at a state-funded institution)
• Receiving private medical treatment
• Taking part in sports tournaments or creative events
• Attending a job interview (but not working)
• Transit through the UK
• Volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity

What You CANNOT Do on an ETA

• Work — paid or unpaid employment is not permitted
• Study at a state-funded institution
• Access public funds (benefits, social housing, etc.)
• Live in the UK permanently
• Get married or register a civil partnership (you need a separate visa for this)
• Stay longer than 6 months per visit

Which Nationalities Need a UK ETA?

The following is a non-exhaustive list of nationalities that require a UK ETA to visit. This includes all non-visa nationals — countries whose citizens can visit the UK without a full visa but now need pre-travel authorisation.

European Countries

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City.

Americas

Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay.

Asia and Pacific

Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Japan, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga.

Middle East and Africa

Bahrain, Botswana, Kuwait, Mauritius, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates.

What If Your ETA Is Refused?

While most ETA applications are approved, refusals do happen. Here is what you need to know:

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Previous criminal convictions (particularly serious or violent offences)
• Previous immigration violations in the UK or other countries
• Outstanding deportation or removal orders
• Security concerns flagged by intelligence systems
• Previous UK visa refusals
• Providing false or misleading information in the application

If You Are Refused

• You will receive a notification explaining the reason for refusal
• The £10 fee is not refunded
• There is no formal appeals process for ETA refusals
• You can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead, which involves a more detailed application assessed by a human decision-maker
• A Standard Visitor Visa application costs more and takes longer, but it allows you to present your case in more detail

UK ETA for Transit Passengers

If you are transiting through the UK (passing through a UK airport on your way to another country), you may still need a UK ETA, depending on your circumstances.

When You Need an ETA for Transit

• You are passing through UK border control (for example, to collect luggage and re-check it, or to change terminals at certain airports)
• You have a stopover where you need to exit the airport
• Your connecting flight departs from a different UK airport

When You May Not Need an ETA for Transit

• You are on an airside transit (staying within the international area of the airport without passing through UK border control)
• Your transit is entirely within the same terminal and you do not need to collect luggage

However, rules around transit can be complex and depend on your nationality, the airport, and the specific routing. To be safe, it is recommended to obtain an ETA even for transit if you are a non-visa national. The £10 cost is minimal compared to the disruption of being denied transit.