The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission required for visitors who do not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom for short stays. Since its full rollout in 2025, the ETA has become a mandatory pre-travel clearance for citizens of over 85 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and all EU member states.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the eTA for the United Kingdom — from eligibility and cost to the application process and validity period.
What Is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation?
The UK ETA is a digital travel permit introduced by the Home Office as part of the United Kingdom’s move toward a fully digital border system. It is similar in concept to the United States ESTA or the upcoming European ETIAS. The ETA is not a visa — it is a pre-travel authorisation that allows eligible travellers to board their transport to the UK.
Key facts about the UK ETA:
- Cost: £20 per applicant
- Validity: 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
- Stay duration: Up to 6 months per visit
- Entry type: Multiple entries allowed
- Processing time: Usually within minutes, up to 3 working days
The ETA applies to travel to England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
Most visitors to the UK who do not require a visa for short stays must obtain an ETA before travelling. This includes nationals from:
- All European Union countries (except Ireland)
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- And many other visa-exempt nations
You do not need an ETA if you:
- Hold a British or Irish passport
- Already have a UK visa
- Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK
- Are a dual British or Irish citizen travelling on that passport
Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children. You can apply on behalf of others.
How Much Does a UK ETA Cost?
The UK ETA costs £20 per person. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. You can pay by credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Be cautious of third-party websites that charge higher fees. The official application is available through the UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website. Other websites may charge significantly more for the same service.
How to Apply for a UK ETA
There are two ways to apply for a UK ETA:
Apply via the UK ETA App
The easiest method is through the official UK ETA app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. The app guides you through:
Taking a photo of your passport
Scanning the chip in your passport
Scanning your face
Taking a photo of yourself
Answering suitability and criminality questions
Paying the £20 fee
Apply Online
If you cannot use the app, you can apply online through GOV.UK. You will need:
- A photo of your passport
- A photo of your face
- An email address
- A payment method
You can also apply for someone else online if they are not with you.
UK ETA Processing Time
Most applicants receive a decision within minutes when applying through the UK ETA app. However, the official guidance advises allowing up to 3 working days (Monday to Friday) for a decision.
Some applications may require additional review, which can take longer. It is recommended to apply at least three working days before your planned travel date.
You will receive your decision by email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The email contains your 16-digit ETA reference number.
UK ETA Validity Period
A UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to the UK, with each stay lasting up to 6 months.
If your passport expires or is replaced, you must apply for a new ETA. Your ETA is electronically linked to the passport you used during the application.
You can check your ETA status online at GOV.UK to see if it is still valid and when it expires.
What You Can and Cannot Do with a UK ETA
With a UK ETA, you can:
- Visit the UK as a tourist
- Visit family and friends
- Attend business meetings and conferences
- Study for up to 6 months
- Transit through the UK (if passing through border control)
- Receive private medical treatment
You cannot:
- Work in the UK
- Claim public funds
- Live in the UK through frequent visits
- Get married or register a civil partnership (you need a marriage visitor visa)
UK ETA vs UK Visa
The ETA and a UK visa serve different purposes:
| Feature | UK ETA | UK Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £20 | £100–£1,000+ |
| Processing | Minutes to 3 days | Weeks to months |
| Validity | 2 years | Varies by visa type |
| Max stay | 6 months per visit | Depends on visa |
| Work allowed | No | Some visas allow work |
| Application | Online/app only | Online + embassy visit |
If you are from a country that does not qualify for the ETA, or if you need to work, study long-term, or settle in the UK, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
UK ETA for Families and Groups
Every person travelling to the UK needs their own ETA, regardless of age. This includes infants and children. You can apply for multiple family members through a single session on the UK ETA app or online.
If you are applying for someone else who is not physically with you, you must use the online application rather than the app.
UK ETA for Transit Passengers
If you are transiting through a UK airport and need to pass through border control (known as landside transit), you need an ETA. If you are transiting airside — meaning you stay in the international transit area and do not pass through passport control — you may not need an ETA.
Check with your airline if you are unsure whether you need to pass through UK border control during your transit.
Common UK ETA Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying through unofficial websites that charge inflated fees
- Not applying far enough in advance of travel
- Using a different passport for the application than the one you will travel with
- Forgetting to apply for children and infants
- Not checking if your nationality requires an ETA or a visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Americans need an ETA for the UK?
Yes, all US citizens need an ETA to visit the UK for short stays of up to 6 months, unless they already hold a UK visa or have British or Irish citizenship.
How far in advance should I apply for a UK ETA?
It is recommended to apply at least three working days before your planned travel date. Most applications are approved within minutes, but some may require additional processing time.
How much does a UK ETA cost for US citizens?
The UK ETA costs £20 per person, regardless of nationality. This is approximately $25–27 USD depending on the exchange rate.
Can I work in the UK with an ETA?
No, the ETA does not permit employment. If you want to work in the UK, you need to apply for an appropriate work visa.
What happens if my UK ETA is refused?
If your ETA application is refused, you cannot appeal. Instead, you can apply for a UK visa through the standard visa application process.
Do I need an ETA if I have a connecting flight in the UK?
If you pass through UK border control (landside transit), you need an ETA. If you remain in the international transit area (airside), you may not need one. Check with your airline.
