Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme | Visas and immigration

Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are being introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status.

Holders of ETA can enter the UK to visit or study for up to 6 months without the need to apply for a visa.

Who can apply now?

Some nationalities (including associated territories) can apply now.

Eligible Europeans can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

Other nationalities

Other nationalities cannot get an ETA. Check if you need a visa instead.

An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK.

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Visitors should apply in advance and find out when to do so on GOV.UK.

An ETA currently costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia, and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK.

Please visit ETA fact sheet UKVI.

Who does not need an ETA?

You do not need an ETA if any of these apply to you:

you have a visa
you have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
you are a British or Irish citizen
you are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
you live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

Dual citizens

If you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. Prove your permission to travel using a:

valid British passport
valid Irish passport
other valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement

Apply for an ETA

The fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA app.

Help with the app using the UK ETA app.

If you cannot use the app

You can apply online. If you are applying for someone else who is not with you, you should apply online.

How much it costs

It costs £10 to apply. Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for other people.

You cannot get a refund after you apply.

Before you start

You need:

the passport you will travel with - not a photocopy or digital passport
access to your emails
a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

You will need to upload or take photos of the:

passport
face of the person applying

You do not need to enter your travel details.

An ETA costs £10 and lasts for 2 years. Holders of an ETA can travel to the UK as many times as they wish during that time, subject to normal Standard Visitor Visa conditions.

Processing times for an ETA should take up to 3 working days. Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 working days. After your ETA is granted, you will get an ETA reference number and an email confirming the outcome of your ETA application. It will be linked to the passport you applied with. When travelling to the UK, you should have a copy of your ETA. If you get a new passport, you will need to obtain a new ETA.

If you need to travel soon

You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.

After you apply

You will get an email confirming you have got an ETA. It will be linked to the passport you applied with.

Your ETA lasts for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time.

If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.

Entering the UK

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You still need to either:

see a Border Force officer
use an ePassport gate, if you are eligible