The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for nationals of over 85 countries who wish to visit the United Kingdom for short stays. Since the full rollout of the scheme, citizens from visa-exempt countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and all EU member states — must obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.
This guide provides a complete list of countries and nationalities that need a UK ETA, along with information on who is exempt.
Countries That Need a UK ETA
The following nationalities require a UK ETA for short stays of up to 6 months:
Americas
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Mexico
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United States
- Uruguay
Europe
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
Asia-Pacific
- Australia
- Brunei
- Hong Kong SAR
- Israel
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kiribati
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Mongolia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Middle East and Africa
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Mauritius
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
This list is not exhaustive. Check GOV.UK for the most current and complete list of ETA-eligible nationalities.
Who Does NOT Need a UK ETA?
Several categories of travellers are exempt from the UK ETA requirement:
British and Irish Citizens
- Holders of British passports
- Holders of Irish passports
- Dual British citizens (travelling on their British passport)
- Dual Irish citizens (travelling on their Irish passport)
UK Immigration Status Holders
- People with a valid UK visa
- Those with permission to live in the UK (settlement/indefinite leave to remain)
- Those with permission to work or study in the UK
- EU Settlement Scheme holders (pre-settled or settled status)
- Those with a Certificate of Entitlement
Other Exemptions
- Legal residents of Ireland (from certain nationalities) travelling within the Common Travel Area
- Diplomats and official government representatives (in some cases)
- Airline crew members (in some circumstances)
- People transiting airside at Heathrow and Manchester airports (not passing through border control)
EU Countries and the UK ETA
Since February 2026, all EU nationals (except Irish citizens) need a UK ETA to visit the United Kingdom. This includes citizens of:
- All 27 EU member states
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
This was a significant change, as EU citizens previously did not need any pre-travel authorisation to visit the UK. The requirement was introduced as part of the UK’s post-Brexit immigration reforms.
EU Citizens: Special Considerations
- If you have EU Settlement Scheme status, you do not need an ETA
- If you have a UK visa, you do not need an ETA
- If you are a dual British-EU citizen, travel on your British passport
- If you are a dual Irish-EU citizen, travel on your Irish passport
How Many Countries Need a UK ETA?
As of 2026, over 85 nationalities require a UK ETA. This number may change as:
- New countries are added to the eligible list
- Bilateral agreements are updated
- Immigration policies evolve
The UK government has stated its intention to eventually require ETAs from all visitors who do not need a visa, which would expand the list further.
Nationalities That Need a UK Visa Instead
If your country is not on the ETA-eligible list, you need a full UK visa. This includes nationals from:
- India
- China
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Nigeria
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Kenya
- And many other countries
Check GOV.UK/check-uk-visa to determine whether you need an ETA or a visa.
UK ETA for Dual Citizens
If you hold citizenship of two or more countries, your ETA requirements depend on which passport you travel with:
Dual British Citizens
- Do not need an ETA
- Should travel on their British passport
- If you do not have a valid British passport, you may be able to travel with alternative documentation
Dual Irish Citizens
- Do not need an ETA
- Should travel on their Irish passport
Dual Citizens (Neither British nor Irish)
- Need an ETA if travelling on a passport from an ETA-eligible country
- Need a visa if travelling on a passport from a non-ETA-eligible country
- Choose the passport that gives you the easiest entry
UK ETA for Residents of Ireland
Legal residents of Ireland who are nationals of ETA-eligible countries may be exempt from the ETA when travelling within the Common Travel Area (CTA). This applies if:
- You are legally resident in Ireland
- Your nationality normally qualifies for the ETA
- You are travelling from Ireland to the UK (or vice versa)
- You can provide proof of your Irish residency
This exemption does not apply to all nationalities. Check the specific rules on GOV.UK.
UK ETA Application by Nationality
The application process is the same regardless of nationality:
1. Download the UK ETA app or apply online
2. Provide your passport details
3. Complete a facial scan or upload a photo
4. Answer suitability questions
5. Pay £20
6. Wait for approval
Processing times may vary slightly by nationality, but the application process itself is identical for everyone.
Regional Processing Differences
While all applications follow the same process, approval times can differ:
Usually Instant Approval
- US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
- Japan, South Korea, Singapore
- Most Western European countries
Generally Quick Approval
- Eastern European countries
- Latin American countries
- Caribbean nations
- Middle Eastern countries
May Require Additional Review
- Applications with any flags or inconsistencies
- Previous immigration issues
- Criminal history considerations
How to Check If Your Country Needs a UK ETA
To confirm whether your nationality requires a UK ETA:
1. Visit GOV.UK/check-uk-visa
2. Select your nationality from the dropdown
3. Indicate your reason for travel
4. The tool will tell you if you need an ETA or a visa
This official tool provides the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Changes to the UK ETA Country List
The list of ETA-eligible countries has expanded since the scheme launched:
- October 2023: Initial rollout (selected Middle Eastern countries)
- February 2024: Expanded to more nationalities
- January 2025: US, Canada, and other countries added
- April 2025: EU nationals added
- February 2026: Full rollout to all eligible nationalities
Further changes are possible as the UK continues to digitalise its border system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nationalities can apply for a UK ETA?
Nationals of over 85 visa-exempt countries can apply for a UK ETA, including the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and all EU countries (except Ireland, whose citizens don’t need one).
Who is not eligible for a UK ETA?
Nationals of countries that require a visa to visit the UK are not eligible for the ETA. They must apply for a full UK visa instead. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
Which countries can I visit with a UK ETA?
The UK ETA allows travel to England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man. It does not grant entry to any other country.
Do EU citizens need a UK ETA?
Yes, since April 2025 (with full enforcement from February 2026), all EU nationals except Irish citizens need a UK ETA to visit the United Kingdom.
Can I apply for a UK ETA if my country is not listed?
No, if your nationality is not on the eligible list, you cannot apply for an ETA. You must apply for a UK visa through the standard process.
