UK ETA: Application and Requirements
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-free visitors to the UK. It is often confused with a visa or an eVisa — it is neither. This guide covers who needs one, who is exempt, how to apply, the cost and validity, and what you can and cannot do. Based on the official GOV.UK guidance (gov.uk/eta), September 2026.
What an ETA is — and what it is not
- An ETA is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-free visitors.
- It is not a visa and it does not guarantee entry to the UK.
- It covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
Who needs an ETA
Visa-free visitors who need permission to travel to the UK must get an ETA before travelling. Each traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for someone else: use the app in the same session if you are with them, or apply online if you are not.
Who does not need an ETA
The official exemption list includes: British and Irish citizens; people who already have a UK visa; people with residence, work or study permission; airside transit passengers; BN(O) passport holders; and people living in Ireland. Dual nationals cannot get an ETA.
How to apply
- You need a passport, an email address and a payment card.
- You upload a photo of your face or take one in the app.
- You can apply for others — in the app in the same session, or online if you are not with them.
- When it is granted you get a 16-digit ETA reference by email.
Cost and validity
| Fee | £20, not refundable |
| Validity | 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner |
| Entries | Multiple entries while valid |
| Decision | Usually within 1 day, up to 3 working days |
What you can and cannot do
- Can: visit for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family, business or short study; creative workers have an exemption of up to 3 months.
- Cannot: stay more than 6 months; work (paid or unpaid) except permitted paid engagements; get public funds; live in the UK through frequent or continuous visits; or marry or form a civil partnership.
- If you have a criminal record or have been refused entry before, consider applying for a Standard Visitor visa instead.
Transit and Ireland
A landside transit needs an ETA. If you live in Ireland there is a set of documents you can use instead.
Related: how to give your photo in the UK immigration ID Check app, scanning and uploading visa documents, what to do if a photo is rejected, the UK visa documents checklist, or prepare a photo with the UK passport photo tool.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ETA a visa?
No. An ETA is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-free visitors. It is not a visa and it does not guarantee entry to the UK.
How much does an ETA cost, and how long does it last?
It costs £20 and the fee is not refundable. It is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner, and allows multiple entries while it is valid.
How long does the decision take?
Usually within 1 day, and up to 3 working days at most. When it is granted you get a 16-digit ETA reference.
Does my baby need an ETA too?
Yes. Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children.
Can I apply for someone else?
Yes. You can apply for other people. If you are with them you can use the app in the same session; if you are not with them you must apply online.
Can I work on an ETA?
Generally no. You cannot work (paid or unpaid) except permitted paid engagements. Creative workers have an exemption of up to 3 months.
Source: GOV.UK, "Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)" pages (gov.uk/eta, /eta/apply, /eta/when-not-need-eta, /eta/what-you-can-cannot-do) — retrieved 2026-09-29. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you travel.