UK ETA: fee, who needs it & how to apply in 2026
Last reviewed 12 July 2026 · Source: GOV.UKThe UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel, linked to your passport. It is not a visa — it does not on its own guarantee entry — but visitors who previously needed nothing to enter the UK for a short trip now need an ETA before they board. The scheme rolled out to nationalities worldwide through 2024–2025. This guide covers who needs one, the official fee, and how to apply.
At a glance
- Document
- ETA (travel authorisation)
- Official fee
- £16
- Maximum stay
- Up to 6 months per visit
- Validity
- 2 years (or passport expiry)
- Entries
- Multiple
- Processing
- Usually within 3 working days
- Apply via
- UK ETA app / GOV.UK
- Irish citizens
- Exempt
Who needs a UK ETA
You need an ETA if you are a non-visa national visiting the UK for up to six months and you do not already hold UK immigration status. That covers most European, North American, Gulf, Australian and many Asian and Latin American passports. You do not need an ETA if you:
- are a British or Irish citizen;
- hold a UK visa or other immigration permission;
- have settled or pre-settled status or the right of abode.
Passengers merely transiting through a UK airport without passing the border generally still need an ETA under current rules — check the transit position on GOV.UK, and see our transit visa guide.
UK ETA fee
The government fee is charged per person, each time you apply for a new ETA (for example when your current one expires). It increased in 2025.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK ETA | £16 | Per applicant, per authorisation |
Each traveller, including children and babies, needs their own ETA and pays the fee. The fee is non-refundable if refused.
Requirements
- The passport you will travel on (biometric passports are required for app applicants).
- A smartphone for the app, or access to the GOV.UK web form.
- A recent digital photo taken during the application. See photo requirements.
- A payment card and an email address.
How to apply
- Download the official UK ETA app or open the application on GOV.UK.
- Scan your passport chip and take the photo the app requests.
- Answer the suitability questions and enter your details.
- Pay the £16 fee.
- Wait for the decision — most arrive within minutes, but allow up to three working days.
The ETA is linked electronically to your passport; there is nothing to print, though keeping the confirmation email is sensible.
Validity & travel
An ETA lasts two years or until your passport expires. It permits multiple visits of up to six months for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, short study, or transit. It does not allow work for a UK employer or long-term stays — those need a visa. If you renew your passport, apply for a new ETA linked to the new document.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the UK ETA?
£16 per person, applied for through the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK. It rose from £10 in April 2025.
Is an ETA a visa?
No. It is a pre-travel authorisation for people who don’t need a visa. Border officers still make the final entry decision.
Do children need one?
Yes. Every traveller, regardless of age, needs their own ETA.
How long does approval take?
Often minutes, but the Home Office advises allowing up to three working days, so apply well before you travel.
What if my passport changes?
An ETA is tied to a specific passport. Get a new ETA if you renew or replace your passport.
← Back to all destinations · Related: USA ESTA, Canada eTA, ETIAS explained, transit visas.