What Is an ETA for the UK?

An ETA is an electronic travel authorisation issued by the UK government. It allows eligible foreign nationals to travel to the United Kingdom for certain short visits without obtaining a conventional visa before departure.

The authorisation is electronically linked to the passport used during the application process. Once approved, eligible travellers can normally use it for multiple journeys during its validity period, provided they continue to meet the relevant immigration requirements.

The UK ETA system supports advance checks on travellers who do not usually require visas for short visits. It does not replace border checks or automatically grant permission to enter the country. The final decision on entry remains subject to UK immigration rules and border procedures.

Is an ETA a Visa?

No. Although people frequently search for terms such as “ETA visa”, “ETA visa meaning” and “what is an ETA visa”, an ETA is not technically a UK visa. It is a separate digital travel authorisation designed for eligible travellers who generally do not need a visa for certain short visits.

A traveller who requires a visa because of their nationality or intended purpose of travel cannot simply obtain an ETA instead. Likewise, an ETA does not replace immigration permission for someone intending to live, work or settle in the UK.

What Does ETA Mean for Travel?

In the context of UK immigration, ETA means Electronic Travel Authorisation. It should not be confused with the everyday travel abbreviation for “estimated time of arrival”, which is commonly used by airlines, transport services and navigation systems.

When people ask “what is an ETA for travel?” or “what is electronic travel authorisation?”, they are usually referring to a government-issued digital approval that must be obtained before travelling to a destination where an ETA scheme applies.

The UK’s ETA is specific to the United Kingdom. Other countries operate their own electronic travel systems, and an authorisation issued for one country does not grant permission to travel to another.

Who Needs an ETA for the UK in 2026?

Many travellers who previously visited the UK without obtaining a visa are now required to obtain an ETA before travelling. The requirement generally applies to eligible non-visa nationals travelling for tourism, visiting relatives, certain business activities and other permitted short-term purposes.

For example, eligible passport holders from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and many European countries are covered by the UK ETA arrangements. The exact requirements depend on nationality, existing UK immigration status and the purpose of the journey.

Which Countries Require an ETA?

The UK ETA scheme covers numerous nationalities across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and other regions. However, it is important not to assume that everyone travelling from a particular country needs an ETA, because nationality and passport status are more relevant than the country of departure.

For instance, a British citizen returning from the United States does not need an ETA simply because their flight departs from America. Similarly, someone living in Canada who holds a passport from a visa-required country may need a UK visa instead of an ETA.

You can check the current nationality-specific requirements using the UK government’s ETA guidance. This is particularly important before booking travel because eligible nationality lists and immigration arrangements can change.

Do I Need an ETA for the UK?

You may need an ETA if you are a national of an eligible country, do not already hold UK immigration permission, and intend to enter the UK for an activity covered by the ETA system. Common examples include holidays, visits to family members, attending permitted business meetings and certain short courses of study.

However, if you already hold permission to live in the UK, have settled or pre-settled status, or fall within another exemption, you should check that exemption before applying.

Who Does Not Need an ETA for the UK?

Not every international traveller needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Some people are exempt because of their citizenship, immigration status or particular travel arrangements.

Generally, you do not need a UK ETA if you are a British or Irish citizen, already hold a valid UK visa or other permission to enter or live in the United Kingdom, or have recognised settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Do I Need an ETA If I Have Settled Status?

No. People who hold valid settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need to apply for a UK ETA. Their existing immigration status provides the relevant basis for travel and residence in the UK.

Nevertheless, travellers should ensure that their current passport or travel document is correctly linked to their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Incorrect or outdated details can lead to difficulties when airlines check immigration permission.

If you are unsure about your immigration position, our guidance on permanent residence and settlement in the UK explains related immigration considerations.

Do I Need an ETA If I Have Pre-Settled Status?

No. People with valid pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are also exempt from the ETA requirement. However, pre-settled status is subject to its own immigration conditions, and individuals should ensure their travel documents and UKVI records are up to date.

What If I Already Have a UK Visa?

If you hold valid UK immigration permission, you generally do not need an additional ETA. The relevant immigration status may be digital and accessible through your UKVI account.

Travellers should verify that their immigration permission remains valid and that the passport they intend to use is correctly recorded where necessary.

How Much Is an ETA for the UK in 2026?

The UK ETA application fee is £20 per person as of October 2026. This applies to each individual applicant, including children and babies who need an authorisation.

The application fee is generally non-refundable, including where an application is unsuccessful. Travellers should therefore check their eligibility and enter their passport information carefully before submitting an application.

The official application is available through the UK ETA app or the GOV.UK online service. Some third-party websites charge additional service fees, but using an intermediary is not necessary for a straightforward ETA application.

Is the UK ETA Fee Paid Every Time You Travel?

No. An approved ETA generally allows multiple eligible journeys during its validity period. You do not normally need to pay the fee again for every visit, provided your ETA remains valid and you continue to travel with the passport linked to it.

If you obtain a new passport, however, you will generally need a new ETA because the original authorisation is linked to your previous passport.

How Long Is a UK ETA Valid For?

A UK ETA is normally valid for two years from the date it is granted or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever happens first. During that period, the holder can generally make multiple eligible journeys to the United Kingdom.

Validity does not mean that a visitor may remain continuously in the UK for two years. An ETA normally supports qualifying visits of up to six months at a time, subject to the applicable immigration rules and the decision made at the border.

How Long Can You Stay in the UK With an ETA?

Eligible visitors can generally travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family and friends, certain business activities and short-term study for up to six months per visit. However, the permitted duration and activities depend on the applicable visitor rules.

An ETA cannot be used to establish residence in the UK through frequent or successive visits. Border officials may consider a person’s travel history, the purpose of their visit and whether their circumstances are consistent with genuine temporary travel.

Can You Extend a UK ETA?

An ETA is not normally extended as a standalone immigration permission. Once it expires, eligible travellers must apply for a new authorisation before undertaking another journey that requires one.

Similarly, holding an ETA does not automatically create a right to extend a visitor stay from within the UK. Different rules apply to extensions of immigration permission.

How to Apply for an ETA for the UK

You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation through the UK ETA mobile application or the official GOV.UK online service. The process usually involves verifying your identity, entering your passport details, providing a suitable photograph and completing the required application questions.

Before beginning, make sure you have access to the passport you intend to travel with, an email address and an accepted payment method.

Step-by-Step UK ETA Application Process

1. Visit the official UK ETA application page or download the government-authorised UK ETA app.
2. Use the passport you intend to travel with and provide the requested passport information.
3. Complete the identity verification process and provide the required photograph.
4. Enter your personal details and answer the relevant eligibility questions accurately.
5. Review the information and pay the £20 application fee.
6. Submit your application and wait for the decision by email.
7. Travel only after receiving the required approval, using the passport linked to your ETA.

How Long Does It Take to Get an ETA?

Most applicants receive a decision quickly, often within a day. However, GOV.UK advises travellers to allow up to three working days because some applications may require further consideration.

It is sensible to apply well before your intended departure date rather than relying on an immediate decision. Travellers who require an ETA should obtain approval before starting their journey.

What Documents Do You Need for a UK ETA?

Applicants generally need a valid passport, an email address, a suitable photograph and an accepted electronic payment method. Additional questions may relate to personal circumstances, nationality and travel eligibility.

Once approved, an ETA is electronically linked to the passport used in the application. You do not generally need to print a physical travel authorisation, although keeping the approval email accessible may be useful.

What Is the Difference Between a Visa and an ETA?

The difference between a UK visa and an ETA depends primarily on the type of immigration permission required. An ETA is a digital authorisation for eligible non-visa nationals, while a visa is generally required for travellers who need formal entry clearance for their nationality or intended immigration route.

Both systems involve immigration checks, but they serve different purposes. An ETA does not replace a family visa, a work visa, a long-term student visa or permission to settle in the United Kingdom.

Can You Work in the UK With an ETA?

An ETA does not normally permit a visitor to take ordinary employment in the United Kingdom. Certain business activities and specifically permitted engagements may be allowed under the relevant immigration rules, but these should not be confused with general permission to work.

If your intended activity requires a separate immigration route, you must obtain the appropriate permission before travelling.

Can You Visit Family in the UK With an ETA?

Yes, eligible travellers may generally use an ETA to visit family members or friends for a permitted short stay. However, an ETA is not the same as permission to join a partner permanently or settle in the UK.

For travellers who require visitor entry clearance rather than an ETA, our UK visitor visa guidance explains the relevant application requirements.

Do You Need a UK ETA for Transit?

Whether an ETA is required for transit depends on your nationality and whether you will pass through UK border control during your journey.

Travellers who remain within an airport’s international transit area and do not pass through UK border control are currently exempt from the ETA requirement for that airside transit. However, different requirements may apply where a traveller must enter the UK to collect baggage, change airports or complete a connection.

Do I Need an ETA for a Connecting Flight?

If your connection does not involve UK border control, an ETA is not currently required solely for that airside transit. If you need to pass through border control, you may need an ETA or a suitable visa depending on your nationality and travel circumstances.

Before departure, confirm with your airline whether you can remain airside throughout your connection. Separate bookings and baggage arrangements can affect whether immigration clearance is necessary.

Do Children Need an ETA for the UK?

Yes. Children and babies who fall within the ETA requirement must each have their own approved authorisation. A parent’s ETA does not automatically cover their children.

A parent or guardian can generally complete the application on behalf of a child, but the application must use the child’s individual passport details.

Do I Need a New ETA if I Renew My Passport?

Yes. Because an ETA is linked to the passport used during the application process, a new passport generally requires a new ETA before travelling when an authorisation is required.

This applies even when an ETA linked to your previous passport would otherwise remain within its two-year validity period.

What Happens if My ETA Is Refused?

If your ETA application is refused, you may need to consider applying for an appropriate UK visa before travelling. The correct next step depends on the nature of the decision and your individual circumstances.

Where an application involves previous immigration refusals, criminality-related questions or complicated travel history, obtaining individual legal advice may help you understand the relevant requirements before making another application.

UK ETA Travel Checklist Before Departure

Travellers should confirm their immigration requirements before booking or starting their journey. Preparing the necessary documents in advance can reduce the risk of problems at check-in or at the UK border.

• Check whether your passport nationality requires an ETA or a visa.
• Confirm whether you qualify for an exemption through existing UK immigration status.
• Apply early and wait for the relevant approval email.
• Ensure that the passport used for travel is linked to your approved ETA.
• Confirm that your intended activities are permitted under the relevant visitor rules.
• Check transit arrangements if you are travelling through a UK airport.
• Update your UKVI account details if you hold digital UK immigration status and have changed passports.

Frequently Asked Questions About the UK ETA

Final Thoughts: What Is a UK ETA and Do You Need One?

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital permission for eligible travellers who wish to visit the United Kingdom for qualifying short-term purposes. Although the term “ETA visa” is widely used in online searches, an ETA is not technically a visa and does not replace the immigration permission needed for longer-term residence, employment or settlement.

In 2026, the official ETA fee is £20, and an approved authorisation normally remains valid for up to two years or until the linked passport expires. British and Irish citizens, people with valid UK immigration permission and travellers covered by specific exemptions do not generally need one.

Before travelling, check your nationality, current immigration status, passport validity and purpose of travel. If you need help understanding a wider UK immigration matter, UK Immigration Solicitors can provide personalised legal guidance based on your circumstances.