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.
Each requirement below is written in plain English by VisaAI. The indented text beneath it is quoted from UK Visas and Immigration’s own page, so you can check what we say against what they say. Where a quotation shows “ ... ”, text has been left out.
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.
Most visitors need an ETA or a visa. What you need depends on: your nationality ... why you’re coming to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
- 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.
You do not need an ETA to travel to the UK if: you’re a British or Irish citizen
- Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and childrenGOV.UK states you can apply on behalf of other people.
Each person travelling needs an ETA, including babies and children.
- 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.
You need an ETA if you’re passing through border control at a UK airport before continuing your onward journey.
- 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.
If you’re a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you cannot get an ETA.
- 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 electronic travel authorisation (ETA) lets you travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for up to 6 months.
- An ETA does not guarantee entry
An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.
Documents you must provide
- The passport you will travel with
You’ll need: the passport you’ll travel with
- An email addressThe decision, containing the 16-digit ETA reference number, is sent by email.
an email address
- A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
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.
When you apply, you’ll need to upload or take photos of the face of the person applying.
- A photo of the passport and face of anyone you apply for who is not with you
If the person you’re applying for is not with you, you must apply for their ETA online. You’ll need a photo of their passport and a photo of their face.
- 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.
If you’re 16 or older, you’ll need to bring one of the following: Irish driving licence ... The document must be: an original ... issued by the Irish government ... valid at the time you travel
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.
Apply on the UK ETA app You’ll need to use your phone’s camera to scan your passport and your face.
- 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.
You must wait until you get an email confirming you have an ETA before you travel to the UK.
Government fees
- Electronic Travel Authorisation feeGBP 20GBP 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.
It costs £20 to apply online or through the UK ETA app. You cannot get a refund after you apply.
Official sources
- How to apply — How to apply, UK Visas and Immigration
- Official page — Official page, UK Visas and Immigration
- Eligibility — Eligibility, UK Visas and Immigration