The UK Government has introduced Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status prior to travelling.
From 2 April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa, except British and Irish citizens, will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – a digital permission to travel to the UK.
An ETA costs £20 (from 8 April 2026) and permits multiple journeys to the UK of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. The individual traveller needs to apply for the ETA, you can not apply for it on their behalf.
ETA applies to:
visits of up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
Each year the UK welcomes millions of visitors from around the world. From holidays to short term study or business trips, the UK is a dynamic, diverse, and exciting destination.
The UK Government are making improvements to deliver a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year.
Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) have been introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status – an ETA is a digital permission to travel.
All eligible visitors will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025
Visitors can apply in advance and find out when to do so on GOV.UK
An ETA costs £20 (as from 8 April 2026) and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia, and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK.
You do not need an ETA if you are transiting through a UK airport and you will not pass through border control - check with your airline if you are not sure
Eligibility for an ETA
All visitors, including children, who do not need a visa for short stays or who do not have any other UK immigration status will need an ETA to travel to the UK
An ETA is not a visa, it does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises an individual to travel to the UK.
British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
Applying for an ETA
Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK is available on GOV.UK
The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app’, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store. People can apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
The application process is quick and simple. Applicants usually get a decision within three working days but may get a quicker decision if they use the UK ETA app.
To apply for an ETA, applicants need to
Pay a fee
Provide contact and passport details
Provide a valid photo, complying with our rules for digital photos on GOV.UK
Answer a set of questions
Visitors must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for an ETA.
An ETA costs £20. As with all Government fees, the cost of an ETA is kept under review.
Frequently asked questions
How do people know if they need to obtain a visa instead of an ETA?
If a person intends to visit the UK for longer than six months, they need to obtain a relevant visa. They may also need a visa for stays of less than six months for purposes other than visit, transit and some business visits.
People can check if they need a visa by using the visa checking tool on GOV.UK
What happens if someone is not able to obtain an ETA?
If an applicant’s ETA application is rejected, they will be told the reason and can apply again.
If an applicant’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission to come to the UK.
Looking for information about Visit West membership? You can find out more about membership, apply to become a member, and make the most of your membership in this section.
Visit Britain gives key information on passport requirements, visas and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
