UK ETA in 2026: who needs one, what it costs and how to apply
By the TravelCheap Editorial Team · Updated October 18, 2026
Since February 25, 2026, visitors who do not need a UK visa, including travellers from the US, Canada, Australia and the EU, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel to the UK. It costs £20, lasts two years or until your passport expires, and lets you visit for up to six months at a time.
Apply only on GOV.UK or in the official UK ETA app; other websites charge more and cannot get you a faster decision. Most people get an answer within a day, but allow up to three working days.
UK ETA at a glance
| UK ETA | |
|---|---|
| Cost | £20 per person, no refunds (it was £16 before April 8, 2026) |
| Required since | February 25, 2026, for visitors who do not need a visa |
| Valid for | 2 years, or until the passport you applied with expires, whichever is sooner |
| Length of each visit | Up to 6 months |
| Decision time | Usually within a day; up to 3 working days |
| Who needs one | Visitors from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and other visa-free countries, including babies and children |
| Where to apply | GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app only |
Sources: Get an electronic travel authorisation (GOV.UK), Apply for an ETA (GOV.UK) and The UK's ETA scheme, updated March 2026 (ABTA).
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Compare hotels in LondonWho does not need a UK ETA?
- British and Irish citizens.
- People with a UK visa, or permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status).
- Passengers who change planes airside at a UK airport without going through border control. If you pass through border control, you need an ETA.
- People who live in Ireland and travel from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man (bring proof that you live in Ireland if you are 16 or over).
- Holders of British overseas territories citizen or British National (Overseas) passports.
The full list is on When you do not need an ETA (GOV.UK).
Dual British or Irish citizens
Dual British or Irish citizens cannot get an ETA. Travel on a valid British or Irish passport, or on another passport with a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode. Without one of these you can be refused boarding, because the airline cannot check your status.
How to apply for a UK ETA
- Use the UK ETA app (Google Play or the App Store) or the GOV.UK website. The app scans your passport and your face with your phone’s camera; online you upload a photo of your passport and of your face.
- Have ready the passport you will travel with, an email address and a credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Pay £20 and answer the questions. You can apply for someone else, such as your children; in the app they must be with you.
- Wait for the confirmation email before you travel. If nothing arrives after 3 working days, check your spam folder and then contact UK Visas and Immigration.
- Travel with the same passport: the ETA is linked to it digitally. If your details change, you must apply again.
Avoid copycat ETA websites
Search results and ads often show unofficial sites that charge far more than £20 for the same application. They cannot speed up the decision. The only official routes are the UK ETA app and gov.uk/eta.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a UK ETA cost?
A UK ETA costs £20 per person when you apply on GOV.UK or in the official app. It cost £16 before April 8, 2026. Fees are not refunded.
Do US citizens need a UK ETA?
Yes. Since February 25, 2026, US citizens visiting the UK without a visa need an approved ETA before they travel, including children and babies.
How long does a UK ETA last?
Two years, or until the passport you applied with expires, whichever comes first. Each visit can last up to six months.
Do I need an ETA to change planes in London?
Not if you stay airside and do not go through UK border control. If your connection means passing through border control, you need an ETA.
How long does the ETA take?
You usually get a decision within a day, but it can take up to three working days. Wait for the confirmation email before you travel.
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Related travel guides
Sources
- Get an electronic travel authorisation (GOV.UK)
- Apply for an ETA (GOV.UK)
- When you do not need an ETA (GOV.UK)
- The UK's ETA scheme, updated March 2026 (ABTA)
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