Do visitors need an ETA to come to the UK?

For most visitors from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and certain other countries.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 30 September 2026

Most visitors need an ETA or a visa, depending on nationality. An ETA lets you visit for up to 6 months and costs £20.

You usually need an ETA if you're from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries.
Every traveller needs one, including babies and children.
British and Irish passport holders don't need one.
Beware websites that charge more and imitate government services.

Key facts

Costs £20
Up to 6 months
Every traveller needs one

What a UK ETA is

An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is digital permission to travel to the UK. It is linked to the passport you apply with. You can use it for trips to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

How much it costs and how long it lasts

Detail	What applies
Cost	£20 per person, not refundable
Each stay	Up to 6 months
How long it lasts	2 years, or until your passport expires if sooner
Number of trips	As many as you like while it is valid
Decision time	Usually within a day, up to 3 working days

Who does not need an ETA

British or Irish citizens
people with a UK visa
people with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or waiting for a decision on it
people with permission to live, work or study in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
holders of British overseas territories citizen or British National (Overseas) passports
people who live in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
people transiting airside without going through UK border control

If you are a dual citizen and one nationality is British or Irish, you cannot get an ETA. Travel on your British or Irish passport instead.

What you can and cannot do

You can come for tourism, to visit family and friends, for business trips, for short-term study, or for a permitted paid engagement. You can also transit through a UK airport if you pass through border control.

You cannot:

stay longer than 6 months
work for a UK company or as self-employed
claim benefits
live in the UK through frequent visits
marry or register a civil partnership (you need a Marriage Visitor visa)

An ETA does not guarantee entry. If you have a criminal record or a past refusal, consider applying for a Standard Visitor visa instead.

How to apply

Have the passport you will travel with, an email address, and a way to pay (card, Apple Pay or Google Pay).
Use the UK ETA app to scan your passport and face, or apply online with digital photos.
Pay the £20 fee.
Wait for the email confirming your ETA before you travel.

You can apply for someone else, including children and babies. Every traveller needs their own ETA.

Watch out for copycat websites

Some websites charge more and look like official services. The official way to apply is through GOV.UK or the UK ETA app. There is no phone line, but GOV.UK offers webchat.

Related guides

Where these figures come from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Apply for an ETA

Common questions

Does an ETA guarantee entry?

No.

Source: Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

Checked against GOV.UK on 30 September 2026

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