The UK ETA is mandatory for visa-exempt travellers and costs GBP 20 as of April 2026.
Here’s who needs one, what it covers, and how to complete your UK ETA visa application step by step.
What Is the UK ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel, linked electronically to your passport. It is not a visa — it’s a pre-screening step for travellers who don’t need a visa for short visits.
One ETA covers multiple trips to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, with stays of up to six months each. It doesn’t guarantee entry — Border Force decides on arrival in London or any UK airport.
What You Can and Can’t Do
An ETA is designed for short visits and a few specific work-related activities. You can use it to:
- Visit for tourism or to see family and friends
- Travel for business meetings or events
- Do a short course of study
- Transit through a UK airport if you’ll pass through border control
- Attend a permitted paid engagement, or work up to three months on the Creative Worker concession
You cannot use an ETA to live in the UK through repeat visits, work for a UK employer, claim public funds, or marry. Those need the relevant UK visa instead.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
Since 25 February 2026, every visa-exempt visitor must hold an ETA before boarding, and airlines deny boarding without one. Carriers now run automated checks against Home Office records before departure.
This affects more than 80 nationalities, including travellers booking flights to the UK from across the Gulf.
Nationalities That Need One
You need an ETA if you hold a passport from, among others:
- Gulf states: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman
- Europe: EU countries plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein
- Americas and Oceania: the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
- Asia and others: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Maldives
The full list runs past 80 countries. Confirm your status on the GOV.UK visa checker before booking flights from Dubai or hotels in the UK.
Who’s Exempt
Some travellers don’t need an ETA at all. You’re exempt if you are:
- A British or Irish citizen, including dual citizens
- Someone who already holds a UK visa or immigration status
- A legal resident of Ireland entering from within the Common Travel Area
Dual British citizens should travel on their valid British passport or a passport containing a Certificate of Entitlement. If you already hold a UK visa, that covers your entry and no ETA is required.
UK ETA Visa Application: How to Apply
The application takes around 15 minutes and is done entirely online. The easiest route is the official UK ETA app, available on Google Play and the App Store.
You can also apply on GOV.UK.
Documents You Need
Have the following ready before you start:
- The passport you intend to travel with
- An email address
- A credit or debit card (Google Pay and Apple Pay also work)
- A recent digital photo of your face
You’ll also provide biometric details and answer suitability questions. Your photo must meet the official GOV.UK digital photo rules, so use a plain background and good lighting.
Step-by-Step Process
Once you have your documents, the process is straightforward:
- Open the UK ETA app or the GOV.UK application page
- Scan or upload the photo page of your passport
- Take a clear photo of yourself
- Answer the travel and suitability questions
- Pay the GBP 20 fee
Each traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children, though one person can apply on behalf of others. You’ll get a reference number by email, then the decision.
Cost and Validity
An ETA costs GBP 20. The fee rose from GBP 16 on 8 April 2026, having launched at GBP 10 in October 2023.
Our UK ETA price increase guide has the full timeline. Once approved, an ETA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires — whichever is sooner.
If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ETA.
| Fee | GBP 20 (since 8 April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Validity | 2 years, or until your passport expires |
| Stay Per Visit | Up to 6 months |
| Entries | Multiple within the validity period |
Processing Time, Delays and Refusals
Most applicants get an automatic decision within minutes. Some cases need manual review, and a small number take longer, which is why applying early matters.
How Long It Takes
Typical timelines look like this:
- Most applications: automatic decision within minutes
- Manual review: up to three working days
- Complex cases: longer, for example where there’s a criminal or immigration history
You must travel on the same passport you applied with. If your plans are tight, don’t book non-refundable travel to Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh until your ETA is approved.
If You’re Rejected or Refused
A rejected application means an error or missing detail. You’ll be told the reason and can simply apply again with the correction.
Refusals usually involve suitability grounds, such as certain criminal convictions. A visitor visa lets you explain your circumstances in full, which the ETA process does not allow.
Tips for a Smooth Application
A few simple checks prevent the most common problems:
- Apply early — at least three working days before you travel
- Match your passport — apply with the exact passport you’ll carry, since the ETA is linked to it
- Check your details — make sure names and passport numbers are entered correctly
- Use a compliant photo — clear, recent, plain background
- Keep your confirmation — save the reference number and approval email
If your passport’s biometric chip is readable, the app can scan it directly, which speeds things up and reduces typing errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UK ETA a visa?
No. The ETA is a digital travel permission for people who don’t need a visa for short visits. It’s a lighter pre-screening step, not a visa.
How long is the UK ETA valid?
Two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple visits of up to six months each within that period.
Do children need their own ETA?
Yes. Every traveller needs an ETA, including babies and children. One adult can submit and pay for several applications.
Can I appeal if my ETA is refused?
No. There’s no appeal against a refused ETA. You would need to apply for a standard UK visitor visa instead.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- UK Home Office — ETA factsheet, April 2026
- GOV.UK — What you can and cannot do with an ETA
- GOV.UK — Check if you need a UK visa
- GOV.UK — ETA caseworker guidance
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
