United Kingdom
United Kingdom: UK ETA – official link, fee and who needs it
Key facts
- Form
- UK ETA (electronic travel authorisation)
- Official link
- www.gov.uk/eta/apply
- Official fee
- £20 per person, including babies and children. No refund after you apply.
Source: GOV.UK – Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) · GOV.UK – Apply for an ETA — Last verified 2026-11-13
- When to apply
- Decision usually by email within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days. Wait for the confirmation email before you travel.
Source: GOV.UK – Apply for an ETA — Last verified 2026-11-13
- Validity
- Lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. Stays of up to 6 months.
Source: GOV.UK – Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) · GOV.UK – Apply for an ETA — Last verified 2026-11-13
How to apply
Apply online on GOV.UK or in the UK ETA app (Google Play / App Store). You need your passport, an email address, a payment card (or Apple Pay / Google Pay) and a photo of your face.
Source: GOV.UK – Apply for an ETA — Last verified 2026-11-13
Who needs it (by passport)
| UK – British citizen | No advance visa or e-authorisation needed British citizens do not need an ETA. |
|---|---|
| British National (Overseas) – BN(O) | No advance visa or e-authorisation needed GOV.UK: you do not need an ETA if you are travelling with a British National (Overseas) passport. |
| Hong Kong SAR passport | Check the official site for your passport Whether you need an ETA or a visa depends on your nationality. Use GOV.UK's official checker. |
| China (mainland) passport | Check the official site for your passport Whether you need an ETA or a visa depends on your nationality. Use GOV.UK's official checker. |
| Taiwan passport | Check the official site for your passport Whether you need an ETA or a visa depends on your nationality. Use GOV.UK's official checker. |
| Malaysia | Check the official site for your passport Whether you need an ETA or a visa depends on your nationality. Use GOV.UK's official checker. |
| Singapore | Check the official site for your passport Whether you need an ETA or a visa depends on your nationality. Use GOV.UK's official checker. |
| USA | You need this before you travel GOV.UK says you usually need an ETA rather than a visa if you're from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries. Confirm with the official checker. |
| EU or other passport | You need this before you travel GOV.UK says visitors from Europe usually need an ETA rather than a visa. Irish citizens do not need an ETA. Other nationalities: use the official checker. |
Rules for passports not listed, and anything not stated by the official source: check the official site. Official eligibility checker / list
⚠ Fake-site warning
GOV.UK: “Other websites may charge more to apply. Avoid websites that imitate government services.” You cannot get a faster decision by applying through another website or app.
Source: GOV.UK – Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) · GOV.UK – Apply for an ETA — Last verified 2026-11-13
Good to know
- Transit: you need an ETA if you pass through UK border control (landside). Airside transit without passing border control does not need one – check with your airline.
Source: GOV.UK – Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) · GOV.UK – When you do not need an ETA — Last verified 2026-11-13
- An ETA does not guarantee entry.
Source: GOV.UK – Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) — Last verified 2026-11-13
Official sources
- GOV.UK – Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
https://www.gov.uk/eta - GOV.UK – Apply for an ETA
https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply - GOV.UK – When you do not need an ETA
https://www.gov.uk/eta/when-not-need-eta - GOV.UK – Check if you need a UK visa or ETA
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
Last verified 2026-11-13