United Kingdom · Travel authorisation
Electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) (ETA) is issued by UK Visas and Immigration. VisaAI tracks 16 official requirements for it, each traced to the government page that states it.
Last verified against the official source on .
VisaAI is not a government body and does not issue visas. It cannot decide, predict or guarantee the outcome of an application, and this page is not legal or immigration advice.
Requirements change. Confirm every item on UK Visas and Immigration’s own page before you apply.
Conditions you must meet
- Most visitors need an ETA or a visa before travellingGOV.UK states what you need depends on your nationality and why you are coming, and publishes the nationality list only through a separate checker tool.
- You need an ETA only if none of the ETA exemptions applies to youGOV.UK lists the exemptions: British or Irish citizen; you have a UK visa; you have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode); you have permission to live, work or study in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man; you are transiting a UK airport airside without passing border control; you travel on a British Overseas Territories citizen passport; you travel on a British National (Overseas) passport; you live in Ireland and travel from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man; you are a child travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form; you are exempt from immigration control or do not need permission to enter; or you are waiting for a decision on an EU Settlement Scheme application.
- Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and childrenGOV.UK states you can apply on behalf of other people.
- You need an ETA if you pass through UK border control while transitingGOV.UK says to check with your airline if you are not sure. Transiting airside, without passing border control, is listed among the exemptions.
- Dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship cannot get an ETAGOV.UK states such travellers prove citizenship instead with a valid British passport, another valid passport carrying a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode, or a valid Irish passport.
- An ETA allows visits of up to 6 months and lasts 2 years or until your passport expiresGOV.UK states the ETA is linked to the passport you applied with, and that you can travel as many times as you want while you have one.
- An ETA does not guarantee entry
Documents you must provide
- The passport you will travel with
- An email addressThe decision, containing the 16-digit ETA reference number, is sent by email.
- A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
- A photo of the face of the person applyingGOV.UK states the application may be delayed or rejected if the photo does not meet its rules for digital photos of faces.
- A photo of the passport and face of anyone you apply for who is not with you
- If you live in Ireland: an original, valid, Irish government-issued document proving itGOV.UK accepts an Irish driving licence, Irish learner permit, medical card, GP visit card, European Health Insurance Card, Irish residence permit, permanent residence certificate, national age card, or diplomatic identity card. Under 16s do not need to bring proof they live in Ireland.
Steps in the process
- Apply through the UK ETA app or onlineThe UK publishes no form number for the ETA. GOV.UK states you should apply online if you cannot download the app on your phone, and that you cannot get a faster decision by applying through another website or app. Other websites may charge more; GOV.UK warns to avoid sites that imitate government services.
- Wait for the email confirming your ETA before you travelGOV.UK states a decision usually arrives by email within a day but can take up to 3 working days, and that the email contains a 16-digit ETA reference number. People you applied for may get decisions at different times.
Government fees
- Electronic Travel Authorisation feeGBP 20 per person, whether you apply online or through the UK ETA app. GOV.UK states there is no refund after you apply: if the application is rejected, or you need to change details, you must apply again and pay again.
Official sources
- Official page — Official page, UK Visas and Immigration
- Eligibility — Eligibility, UK Visas and Immigration
- How to apply — How to apply, UK Visas and Immigration