What the UK ETA does

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation gives an eligible traveller permission to travel to the UK for tourism, family visits and certain other permitted short-visit reasons, generally for up to six months. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.

The government currently states that an ETA costs GBP 16, lasts for two years and is linked to the passport used in the application. If that passport expires or changes, a new ETA is needed. Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children.

Who should check ETA eligibility

The UK publishes an ETA nationality list. Eligible nationals normally apply before travel when they do not already hold a UK visa or immigration permission. The list includes many European, Gulf, American, Asian and Pacific passports, but the passport subtype can matter for some places.

Do not assume that residence in an ETA-eligible country changes the rule. The starting point is nationality and the passport used for travel, followed by purpose and existing UK status.

Who does not need an ETA

You do not normally need an ETA if you are a British or Irish citizen, already hold a UK visa, or have permission to live, work or study in the UK. The published exemptions also cover several special situations, including qualifying residents of Ireland travelling from within the Common Travel Area and some travellers transiting airside without passing border control. Airlines can determine whether a transit passenger will pass border control, so confirm the airport arrangement before relying on the airside exemption.

British and Irish dual citizens cannot use an ETA as a replacement for evidence of that citizenship. They should travel with the appropriate passport or accepted proof of right of abode.

When a Standard Visitor visa is the likely route

Nationals on the UK's visitor visa national list generally need entry clearance before travel. A visitor visa is also the correct direction when the intended activity is not covered by ETA travel. Work, long-term study, marriage or civil partnership plans, and settlement require the appropriate category rather than an ETA.

A useful visitor file structure

  • A short cover explanation matching the trip dates and purpose.
  • Evidence of income, savings and the source of funds.
  • Employer, business, study or family evidence showing current circumstances.
  • Accommodation, invitation and host-status documents where relevant.
  • A clear explanation of previous refusals or immigration issues.

Avoid submitting a pile of documents without a consistent timeline. The application form, bank activity, employment dates, invitation and travel plan should tell the same story.

Official sources

Last checked: 1 September 2026.