If you are planning a trip to the UK, you may have heard about the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). An ETA is a digital travel permission that some overseas visitors must obtain before travelling to the UK.
An ETA is not a visa. Having an ETA allows you to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee entry at the UK border.
Who needs a UK ETA?
Most visitors who do not need a visa but are travelling to the UK now need an ETA. This includes eligible visitors travelling for:
Tourism and holidays
Visiting family or friends
Business trips
Short-term study
Certain permitted paid engagements
Transit through a UK airport if you pass through UK border control
You usually need an ETA rather than a visa if you’re from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries.
How much does an ETA cost?
The current UK ETA application fee is £20 per person.
Every traveller needs their own ETA, including children and babies.
An ETA normally lasts for two years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first.
You can make multiple trips to the UK while your ETA remains valid, provided each visit complies with the immigration rules.
You must travel using the passport linked to your ETA.
You should apply through the official GOV.UK service or the UK ETA app. Be careful when searching online, as other websites may charge additional fees.
Who does NOT need an ETA?
You generally do not need an ETA if:
You are a British or Irish citizen.
You already have a UK visa.
You have permission to live, work or study in the UK, including settled or pre-settled status.
You have right of abode in the UK.
You hold a British Overseas Territories Citizen passport.
You hold a British National (Overseas) passport.
You are legally resident in Ireland and are travelling to the UK from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, subject to the relevant conditions.
You are transiting through a UK airport without passing through UK border control.
You are exempt from UK immigration control.
There are also specific exemptions for certain school groups and some transport crew members.
What you cannot do with an ETA
With an ETA, you cannot:
Stay in the UK for more than 6 months.
Work for a UK company or work as self-employed, unless your work is specifically allowed under the ETA rules.
Claim benefits or other public funds.
Live in the UK by making frequent or repeated visits.
Get married or register a civil partnership in the UK.
In summary
The UK ETA is now an important part of travelling to the UK for many visitors who do not need a visa. If you are planning a holiday, visiting family or friends, or travelling to the UK for another permitted short visit, you should check whether you need an ETA before making your journey.
Make sure your ETA has been approved before you travel and that you use the same passport that you used for your application.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice.
For the latest information and to apply, visit www.gov.uk/eta
If you need advice, our helplines are available Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/LT/EN: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/RU/EN: 07718612218
This is in line with the information available as of 02/10/2026.