If you hold a US, Canadian, Australian or other visa-free passport, you can no longer simply fly to London and show your passport. You need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation first. It costs £20, usually takes a day, and is easy to get wrong if you use the wrong website.
Quick Answer
- Cost: £20 per application, non-refundable (GOV.UK)
- Validity: 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner
- Decision time: Usually within a day, up to 3 working days
- Apply via: The official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK online form only
- Not needed if: You are a British or Irish citizen, hold a UK visa, or only transit airside
- Enforcement: Reported as strictly enforced since 25 February 2026, with no grace period
What Is the UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel that visa-free visitors must obtain before they board a flight, train or ferry to the United Kingdom. It is linked electronically to your passport, so there is nothing to print or stick in the document.
It is not a visa. It covers short visits such as tourism, family visits and business meetings, and it does not allow you to work or settle in the UK. Those need a separate visa.
Who Needs a UK ETA, and Who Does Not?
Most travelers who can visit the UK without a visa now need an ETA. GOV.UK’s exemption page lists who can skip it.
| Traveler | ETA needed? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| US, Canadian, Australian and other visa-free visitors | Yes | Apply before you travel |
| British or Irish citizens | No | Including dual citizens, who cannot get an ETA and should use a British or Irish passport |
| Holders of a UK visa | No | The visa already gives permission |
| People with UK settled or pre-settled status | No | Includes those with right of abode |
| Passengers changing planes airside | No | Only if you do not pass through border control |
| Residents of Ireland travelling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man | No | Under-16s do not need to bring proof of residence |
Big Ben rises above Westminster Bridge, the view most first-time visitors come for
How Do You Apply for a UK ETA?
- Download the UK ETA app or open the official GOV.UK ETA service. Third-party sites can add fees.
- Have the passport you will travel with, an email address and a credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Take or upload a face photo that follows the official digital photo rules.
- Pay the £20 fee and submit. GOV.UK says the decision usually arrives by email within a day.
- If nothing arrives after 3 working days, check your spam folder before contacting UK Visas and Immigration.
Applying for someone else through the app requires that person to be with you. Otherwise, apply online using their passport and face photo.
How Long Is a UK ETA Valid?
An ETA lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers unlimited trips while valid. If you renew your passport, you need a new ETA tied to the new document. That makes it worth checking passport validity before you apply, so you do not pay £20 for an authorisation that expires in a few months.
Sort the Rest of Your UK Trip
Once your ETA is approved, line up transport, data and sightseeing before you land.
Book an Airport Transfer
Get a Travel eSIM
Skip-the-Line Attraction Tickets
What Else Should You Check Before Flying to the UK?
- Passport name: it must match your ETA exactly, since the authorisation is linked to that passport.
- Airline check: carriers verify your ETA at check-in, so apply before you book non-refundable tickets.
- Entering Europe too: if your trip continues to the Schengen area, see how the new EU border system works.
Planning More of the Trip?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the UK ETA cost?
The official GOV.UK page says it costs £20 to apply online or through the UK ETA app, and the fee is not refundable after you apply.
How long does a UK ETA last?
GOV.UK says an ETA lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner, and allows unlimited trips to the UK while it is valid.
How long does UK ETA approval take?
You will usually get a decision by email within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days, according to GOV.UK. Apply well before you book non-refundable travel.
Do I need a UK ETA if I am only changing planes?
Not if you are transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control (airside). If your connection means entering the UK, or you are unsure, check with your airline.
Can a dual British citizen get a UK ETA?
No. GOV.UK says dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship cannot get an ETA and should travel on a British passport, a passport with proof of right of abode, or a valid Irish passport.
Final Thoughts
The UK ETA is a small step that can stop a trip at the check-in desk if you skip it. Apply only through the official app or GOV.UK, allow up to 3 working days, and confirm your passport lasts long enough to get the full 2 years of value. Rules and fees can change, so check GOV.UK before you travel.
Plan Your Next Trip
Browse more destination guides, itineraries and planning tips.