What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel required for citizens of visa-exempt countries visiting the United Kingdom for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, or short-term study (up to six months).
It is electronically linked to your passport, similar to the United States ESTA or Australian ETA systems. It is not a formal visa, but boarding a flight, ferry, or Eurostar train to the UK without an approved ETA will result in denial of boarding.
Who Needs an ETA in 2026?
- Non-European Visa-Exempt Travelers: Citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore require an ETA.
- European Citizens: Citizens of EU member states, EEA nations, and Switzerland must hold an approved ETA before boarding transport to the UK.
- British & Irish Citizens: Completely exempt. Under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, Irish citizens do not require an ETA to enter, live, or work in the UK.
- Travelers with Valid UK Visas or Residence Status: Anyone holding an existing UK visa, Indefinite Leave to Remain, or EU Settlement Scheme status does not need an ETA.
Cost and Validity
- Official Fee: 10 Pounds per applicant (including babies and children).
- Validity: Valid for 2 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).
- Entries: Allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each during the 2-year validity window.
How to Apply
- Download the official UK ETA app on iOS or Android (or apply via GOV.UK).
- Scan your passport biometric chip using your smartphone NFC reader.
- Take a photo of your face following the on-screen biometric guidelines.
- Answer a short series of suitability and security questions.
- Pay the 10 Pound fee with a credit or debit card.
- Decisions are typically delivered by email within 3 working days, though many are approved within hours.
Ireland and Northern Ireland Border Rules
Travelers often ask how the ETA applies when crossing the land border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland:
- There are no physical border checkpoints, passport gates, or customs posts between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- However, non-British and non-Irish visitors entering Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland are legally required to hold a valid UK ETA or visa, as immigration law applies throughout UK territory.
- Do not assume that the lack of a physical fence eliminates immigration requirements. UK Border Force conducts occasional spot checks on cross-border trains and buses.