UK ETA

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel introduced as part of the UK’s move towards a more automated, “digital by default” border. It applies to certain non-visa nationals – people who can normally visit the UK for short stays without applying for a visit visa in advance. The ETA enables the Home Office to carry out security and suitability screening before travel, rather than relying solely on checks at the border.

An ETA is not a visa and does not, by itself, grant immigration permission. Instead, it allows an eligible traveller to travel to the UK and present themselves at the border to be considered for entry in the usual way. Border Force may still refuse entry if the person does not meet the relevant requirements on arrival.

Since 25 February 2026, the UK has moved to full enforcement of the ETA scheme for relevant visa-free travellers. In practice, carriers (air, rail and sea) will check that travellers have the required digital permission (an ETA, or an eVisa where applicable) before departure. Where an ETA is required but not held, travellers may be refused boarding.

1. What Is a UK ETA?

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a form of pre-travel clearance linked electronically to the passport used in the application. In legal terms, it is a permission to travel under the ETA scheme: it is not a visa, and it does not amount to immigration permission in its own right. Instead, it enables an eligible traveller to travel to the UK and present themselves for entry in the usual way, where an immigration officer will still decide whether the person meets the relevant requirements.

The Immigration Rules set out what makes an ETA application valid, including using the official application route, paying the correct fee, and applying with a national passport that establishes identity and nationality.

2. Key Features of the ETA Scheme

In practice, three features matter most:

• First, an ETA is pre-travel permission, not a visa: it facilitates travel, but it does not remove the need to satisfy the entry rules on arrival. 
• Second, it is passport-linked. If you renew or replace the passport you applied with, you will normally need a new ETA linked to the new document. 
• Third, the ETA is designed for repeat use: during its period of validity, it can usually be used for multiple journeys, provided each trip is consistent with the route you are seeking to enter under (most commonly, the Visitor rules).

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. We recommend consulting an immigration lawyer for expert advice.

3. Who Needs a UK ETA?

Most people travelling to the UK will need either an ETA or a visa. Which applies depends on the traveller’s nationality (as shown on the passport they intend to travel with), the purpose of the trip, and whether the person already holds UK immigration permission (for example, a visa, settled status, pre-settled status, or right of abode).

When an ETA Is Typically Required

The ETA scheme is primarily relevant to non-visa nationals travelling as visitors (with some important exceptions), and to certain other short-stay scenarios provided for in the Rules and related guidance. For many readers, the practical way to think about it is this: if you are normally a visa-free visitor, you may now need an ETA as an additional pre-travel step.

Because ETA eligibility is nationality-based and the eligible nationalities list is periodically updated, travellers should check the current GOV.UK eligibility position before booking travel – particularly where tickets are non-refundable or travel is time-sensitive.

“Non-Visa Nationals” and ETA Eligibility Are Not Always the Same Thing

It is important not to assume that “visa-free visitor” automatically means “ETA-eligible today”. The ETA is being rolled out in stages and the list of nationalities able to apply can change. If your nationality is not currently eligible, you cannot apply for an ETA. In most cases the lawful alternative is to apply for the appropriate UK visa, unless you fall within a recognised exemption from the ETA requirement.

4. Who Does Not Need an ETA?

You do not need an ETA if you fall within an exemption category. In practice, the most common exemptions include British and Irish citizens, people who already hold UK immigration permission (such as a visa or status under the EU Settlement Scheme), and travellers using certain British passports (including BN(O) and British overseas territories citizen passports). 

Other limited exemptions also apply in specific situations (for example certain school group travel and some people awaiting an EUSS decision).

There are also specific exemptions for certain travel patterns – for example, some travellers living in Ireland and travelling from within the Common Travel Area, and certain airside transit journeys where the traveller will not pass through UK border control (airlines can confirm whether a particular connection is airside).

Dual Citizens (British or Irish)

If a person is a dual national with British or Irish citizenship, they cannot obtain an ETA on the basis of their other nationality. For travel to the UK, they should plan to use a valid British passport, a valid Irish passport, or another valid passport endorsed with a Certificate of Entitlement, depending on their circumstances. This point has practical implications from 25 February 2026, when full ETA enforcement affects carrier checks and boarding decisions.

5. When Should You Apply for an ETA?

The timing of a UK ETA application can make the difference between a smooth journey and last-minute disruption. If you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, you must have a valid ETA before you travel. In practice, this means obtaining it before you attempt to board a flight, ferry or train to the United Kingdom.

Decisions are often made quickly, and many applications receive an outcome within a day. However, applicants should plan on the basis that the Home Office asks travellers to allow up to 3 working days (Monday to Friday) in case additional checks are required.

For that reason, it is sensible to apply well ahead of departure, particularly where travel is time-sensitive or tickets are non-refundable. Applying early gives you breathing space if:

• the application is delayed while additional checks are completed;
• UKVI requests further information; or
• you receive a refusal and need to consider a visa application or another lawful route instead.

You can apply at any point before travel. There is no advantage in leaving it until the days immediately before departure.

Travel Without a Valid ETA

Where an ETA is required, attempting to travel without one carries a real risk of disruption. From an operational perspective, the key control point is typically before departure: carriers are expected to check that passengers have the required digital travel permission (an ETA, or an eVisa where applicable) before allowing travel. If the system shows that a traveller requires an ETA but does not hold one, the carrier may refuse boarding. 

Even if a person reaches the UK, an ETA does not guarantee entry. The UK Border Force will still assess whether the person meets the relevant requirements on arrival and can refuse entry where those requirements are not met. 

In short, if you are a non-visa national and the ETA scheme applies to your nationality, you should ensure you have a valid ETA before travelling – and apply early enough to allow for the small number of cases that require extra processing time.

6. What Can You Do With a UK ETA?

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) allows eligible non-visa nationals to travel to the UK for short visits without applying for a visit visa in advance, where the ETA scheme applies to their nationality. An ETA is not a visa and it does not guarantee entry. Instead, it functions as a permission to travel which allows a person to board a carrier to the UK and seek admission on arrival, subject to the usual border checks. 

In practical terms, most ETA holders will be seeking entry under the Visitor rules. That route allows a wide range of activities, but only within the boundaries of what is permitted for visitors. If the intended purpose goes beyond those limits, a visa will usually be required.

Permitted Activities Under a UK ETA

With a valid ETA, an eligible traveller may normally come to the UK for up to six months at a time as a Visitor and carry out activities such as:

• tourism and general leisure travel;
• visiting friends or family;
• business visitor activities, for example attending meetings, conferences, site visits, or interviews (provided the activity falls within the Visitor rules);
• short courses of study, where study is permitted within the Visitor route (the scope depends on the course type and the visitor’s circumstances); and
• private medical treatment, where the Visitor requirements are met and appropriate arrangements/evidence are in place.

Visitors can also undertake certain narrowly defined “work-adjacent” activities that are allowed under the Visitor framework. For example, a visitor may be able to attend a trade fair, take part in a one-off engagement, or participate in specific creative activities only where the Visitor rules permit it and the person is not effectively filling a role in the UK labour market.

Because the Visitor rules are detailed, the safest approach is to match the proposed activity to the permitted categories before travel – particularly where the person is being invited by a UK organisation, expects any form of payment, or will be in the UK for repeated visits.

Temporary Work – Creative Worker Concession

The ETA scheme is also relevant to certain travellers relying on the Temporary Work – Creative Worker concession. In outline, this can allow eligible non-visa nationals to come to the UK for a short creative engagement without obtaining a full Creative Worker visa, provided the engagement meets the concession requirements and is supported by the appropriate sponsorship arrangements. The permitted period under the concession is up to three months.

Travellers entering on this basis must keep within the three-month limit and confine their activities to what is permitted under the concession. If the engagement will exceed three months, or if the work does not fall within the concession, the correct route will usually be the Creative Worker visa rather than travel under an ETA.

7. Validity and Reusability of a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is normally valid for two years, or until the passport used for the application expires (whichever happens first). It is linked to that passport and can be used for multiple journeys during its validity, provided the holder continues to meet the relevant requirements each time they travel and seek entry.

It is also important to understand what the ETA does not do. An ETA is a permission to travel, not a grant of immigration status. It does not give a general right to work in the UK and it cannot be used to undertake activities outside what is permitted under the Visitor rules or the relevant concession (including, where applicable, the Creative Worker concession). It also does not provide a route to settlement, does not entitle a person to access public funds, and is not suitable for long-term study. Where a person’s intended activities go beyond what is permitted, the correct approach is to apply in advance under the appropriate UK visa route.

8. How to Apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Applying for a UK ETA is a digital-only process. Most applicants can complete it quickly, but accuracy matters: incorrect or incomplete answers can delay a decision, trigger additional checks, or lead to refusal.

Application Methods for a UK ETA

You can apply in either of the following ways:

• Official UK ETA app (smartphone application)
• Official online application on GOV.UK

Using the app or the online form should not change the legal test applied to your application. Many travellers find the app more convenient for capturing a facial image and completing the identity checks.

What You’ll Need to Apply for a UK ETA

In most cases you will be asked for:

• a valid national passport (the passport you intend to travel on);
• a facial image / photograph captured or uploaded during the process;
• basic personal information (for example name, date of birth and contact details);
• and answers to security and suitability questions (commonly covering matters such as relevant criminal history and previous immigration issues).

Travel details are not always required at the point of application, but you should ensure the passport and identity information you provide is correct and matches the document you will use to travel.

Passport Requirement

An ETA is passport-linked and is designed to be made using a national passport. If you do not hold a suitable national passport, you may not be able to make a valid ETA application and may need to consider a visa application or another appropriate route, depending on your circumstances and travel document.

ETA Application Fee

The ETA application fee is currently £16 per person, payable at the time of application. Once submitted, the fee is not refundable.

Fee changes: the Home Office keeps fees under review and has indicated it intends to increase the ETA fee to £20 in the future, with details to be published in due course.

UK ETA Processing Time

Many applicants receive a decision quickly, and a significant proportion are decided automatically. However, travellers should plan on the basis that decisions are usually issued within a day, and allow up to 3 working days (Monday to Friday) in case additional checks are required. It is sensible to apply well before departure where travel is time-sensitive.

Children and Family Applications 

Each traveller must have their own ETA, including children and infants. A parent or guardian can apply on a child’s behalf, but it is still a separate application and a separate fee for each person.

9. ETA Suitability Criteria and Grounds for Refusal

Although the UK ETA process is designed to be quick, it is still governed by the Immigration Rules. An ETA application will be refused where the Rules require refusal on suitability grounds. Separately, an ETA that has already been granted can be cancelled if a cancellation ground applies, or if information comes to light showing that the ETA should not have been issued.

In practical terms, the suitability framework is aimed at filtering out applicants who present a public interest risk, have a relevant history of immigration non-compliance, or have provided false or incomplete information in the ETA process or in previous dealings with UK immigration authorities.

Grounds for Refusal of a UK ETA

Under Appendix ETA, an application must be refused in a number of situations. The most common categories are summarised below.

Exclusion and deportation
An ETA must be refused where the applicant is subject to an exclusion decision or order, or a deportation order (or a decision to make one).

Criminality
An ETA must be refused where the applicant has a criminal conviction meeting the ETA threshold. This includes, in outline, convictions (UK or overseas) resulting in a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, and convictions where 12 months have not yet passed since the date of conviction.

“Not conducive to the public good”
An ETA must be refused where the applicant’s presence in the UK is considered not conducive to the public good. This is a broad test and can be based on conduct, character or associations, including situations that do not fall neatly within the criminality threshold.

Previous breaches of UK immigration laws
Appendix ETA also requires refusal where, at age 18 or over, the applicant has a relevant history of immigration non-compliance – such as overstaying, breaching conditions, illegal entry, or deception – subject to specific exceptions. These exceptions are important and include situations where the Home Office later granted entry clearance or permission with knowledge of the breach, and defined tolerances for short periods of overstaying in certain circumstances.

False representations and non-disclosure
An ETA must be refused where false representations were made, false documents or false information were submitted, or relevant facts were not disclosed in relation to the current or a previous ETA application. The Rules allow refusal whether or not the falsehood was deliberate.

Unpaid litigation costs
An ETA must be refused where the applicant has failed to pay litigation costs awarded to the Home Office.

Previous cancellation of an ETA on validity grounds
An ETA must be refused if the applicant previously had an ETA cancelled under ETA 5.8 (cancellation because one or more validity requirements were not met), unless the Home Office record shows the person was subsequently granted entry clearance or permission with knowledge of that cancellation.

Previous refusal as a Visitor
An ETA must be refused where the applicant has previously been refused entry clearance or permission under Appendix V (Visitor), unless Home Office records show a later grant of ETA/entry clearance/permission that either was not cancelled as a result of that refusal or was granted with knowledge of the refusal.

NHS debt

NHS debt is not currently a refusal ground for an ETA application. However, NHS charging history can still have serious consequences: a granted ETA must be cancelled where a relevant NHS body notifies the Secretary of State of unpaid overseas visitor charges totalling £500 or more.

Importance of full disclosure

ETA applications are short, but they still require careful, accurate answers. Incorrect information or failure to disclose relevant facts can lead to refusal, and it can also create problems later – including cancellation. Where there is any uncertainty (for example, around criminal history, previous refusals, overstays, or past dealings with UKVI), taking advice before submitting an application can prevent avoidable refusals and disruption to travel plans.

10. What If Your UK ETA Application Is Refused?

A refusal of a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) can be unsettling, particularly for travellers who have previously entered the UK without difficulty. An ETA refusal is not the same thing as being refused permission to enter the UK at the border. It is, however, a practical barrier to travel: it usually means you cannot travel under the ETA scheme, and you will normally need to consider a visa application (or another form of UK immigration permission) before travelling.

Understanding what an ETA refusal means – and the safest next steps – helps avoid unnecessary disruption and delay.

What Does a UK ETA Refusal Mean in Practice?

If your ETA application is refused, the key consequences are:

• You will not have the required digital travel permission to travel under the ETA scheme. Where an ETA is required for your nationality and journey, carriers are expected to check this before departure, and you may be refused boarding.
• You are no longer travelling on a “visa-free” basis. In most cases, the correct alternative is to apply for an appropriate UK visa before travelling.
• An ETA refusal does not automatically mean you are “banned” from the UK. It means the streamlined ETA route is not available, and UKVI will expect you to use a different route if you still intend to travel.

Visa Options After an ETA Refusal

The appropriate visa depends on what you are coming to the UK to do. Common routes include:

Standard Visitor visa – for tourism, visiting family or friends, business visitor activities, short courses of study (where permitted) and private medical treatment, provided the Visitor requirements are met.

Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa – for eligible creative professionals undertaking qualifying paid engagements in the UK under the Creative Worker route.

A visa application is a more formal process than an ETA. It typically involves biometrics and supporting evidence, and it will be assessed against the relevant Immigration Rules, including your travel history and any issues that led to the ETA refusal.

Common Reasons for UK ETA Refusal

ETAs can be refused for a range of suitability reasons under Appendix ETA. In broad terms, refusals commonly arise where there are concerns about:

• criminality or conduct falling within the Home Office suitability thresholds;
• previous breaches of UK immigration law (for example, overstaying or deception), subject to the specific exceptions in the Rules;
• false representations, false documents, or failure to disclose material facts in an ETA application;
• unpaid litigation costs awarded to the Home Office;
• certain prior immigration outcomes that trigger mandatory refusal under Appendix ETA (for example, a previous refusal under the Visitor route in defined circumstances, or a previous ETA cancellation falling within the specific cancellation category referred to in Appendix ETA).

Important: NHS debt is not currently a refusal ground for an ETA application, but it can be relevant to cancellation of a granted ETA in specific circumstances (including where notified unpaid overseas visitor charges reach the relevant threshold). 

Even where the underlying issue is minor, a refusal can also follow from an avoidable mistake – particularly where an answer is inaccurate or a relevant matter is not disclosed.

Can You Reapply for an ETA?

Sometimes. Where the refusal was driven by a genuine error – such as incorrect information that can be corrected – there may be a realistic basis for a fresh application. Where the refusal reflects a substantive suitability issue (for example, criminality or a relevant history of non-compliance), reapplying is less likely to succeed unless there has been a material change in circumstances. In many cases, a visa application is the more robust route because it allows the history to be addressed with evidence and representations.

Seek Advice Before Switching to a Visa Application

If your ETA has been refused and you now need to consider a visa, it is sensible to take advice before applying – particularly where the refusal relates to criminality, previous overstays/refusals, or allegations of deception. A well-prepared application will often require:

• a clear, accurate account of your immigration history;
• supporting documents addressing the issues raised; and
• focused legal submissions showing how you meet the requirements of the route you are applying under.

At Richmond Chambers, our immigration barristers advise on ETA refusals and the most appropriate next steps, including visa applications where the ETA route is not available. We can assess the reasons for refusal, identify the safest route forward, and prepare a strong application tailored to the relevant Immigration Rules.

11. What Happens if Your ETA Is Cancelled?

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) can be cancelled after it has been granted. Cancellation may happen before travel (for example, following further checks), during the journey (where carrier checks identify a problem), or at the UK border if relevant information comes to light. In each case, cancellation means the ETA is no longer valid and cannot be used for travel. 

In practical terms, once an ETA has been cancelled, the individual should assume they cannot travel under the ETA scheme. If they still need to travel to the UK, the safest next step is usually to apply for an appropriate UK visa (or otherwise obtain the correct immigration permission), depending on the purpose of travel and their immigration history.

Grounds for Cancellation of a UK ETA

The Immigration Rules set out several circumstances in which an ETA must or may be cancelled. Many of these overlap with refusal grounds, but there are also cancellation-specific triggers. In summary, cancellation can arise where, for example:

• the person becomes subject to an exclusion decision or a deportation order (or related action);
• new information shows the person falls within the relevant criminality thresholds or other suitability criteria, including “not conducive to the public good”;
• the Home Office concludes that false information was provided or that material facts were not disclosed;
• the ETA was issued when a validity requirement was not met, or it was issued on an incorrect basis (including where the passport/identity basis is not properly made out);
• unpaid litigation costs to the Home Office apply on the facts; and
• in defined circumstances, where the relevant NHS body notifies unpaid overseas visitor charges meeting the applicable threshold (this operates as a cancellation trigger rather than an ETA refusal ground). 

Consequences of an ETA Cancellation

Once an ETA is cancelled, it can no longer be used for travel. Where an ETA is required for the journey, travellers may encounter problems before departure because carriers are expected to check for the required digital permission. If a traveller reaches the UK, cancellation also increases the risk of difficulty at the border, as the person will not hold a valid ETA and the immigration officer will assess admissibility in the usual way.

Future ETA Applications After Cancellation

This point needs careful handling. It is not correct to say that every ETA cancellation results in an “automatic” refusal of all future ETA applications, regardless of the reason.

Under Appendix ETA, a future ETA application is subject to mandatory refusal where the applicant previously had an ETA cancelled under the specific cancellation provision referenced in the Rules (the cancellation ground tied to validity requirements), unless Home Office records show the applicant was later granted entry clearance or permission with knowledge of that cancellation. Other types of cancellation may still make a fresh ETA application difficult (or unrealistic), but the Rules do not treat every cancellation in the same way.

Visa Applications Following ETA Cancellation

If an ETA has been cancelled, the correct way forward is often a visa application tailored to the purpose of travel – for example:

• a Standard Visitor visa, or
• a Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa (where the engagement genuinely meets that route).

A visa application after cancellation will often receive closer scrutiny, and it is usually sensible to address the cancellation head-on: what happened, why it happened, and what evidence resolves the underlying concern.

Legal Advice After ETA Cancellation

Because cancellation can arise from issues that also affect future applications (including allegations of non-disclosure, criminality thresholds, or historic immigration compliance), it is prudent to take advice before reapplying or switching routes. A carefully prepared visa application can still succeed, but only if the issues behind the cancellation are properly understood and dealt with in evidence and legal representations.

At Richmond Chambers, our immigration barristers advise on ETA cancellations and the most appropriate next steps, including visa applications where the ETA route is no longer available.

12. How Long Is a UK ETA Valid For?

Once granted, a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is designed to make repeat short visits easier for eligible non-visa nationals. The key point, however, is that an ETA is a permission to travel, not a visa and not a grant of immigration status. Understanding how long it lasts – and how it can be used – helps avoid disruption at departure and at the UK border. 

Validity Period of the UK ETA

A UK ETA is normally valid until the earlier of:

• two years from the date it is granted, or
• the expiry date of the passport used in the ETA application.

If your passport will expire within two years, the ETA will end when that passport expires. Because the ETA is passport-linked, it cannot be transferred to a replacement passport. If you obtain a new passport, you will generally need to apply for a new ETA linked to the new document. 

Multiple Journeys During the Validity Period

An ETA can be used for multiple trips during its validity period, provided each journey is consistent with the route you are seeking to enter under (most commonly, the Visitor rules, or – where relevant – the Creative Worker concession). The ETA does not give you a right to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits; each stay must be genuinely temporary and within the permitted activities. 

Permitted Length of Stay per Visit

For most ETA holders entering as visitors, the maximum stay is up to six months per visit, provided the planned activities fall within what is permitted for visitors. Where a person relies on the Creative Worker concession, the permitted period is up to three months, and the work must fall within the scope of that concession. 

An ETA does not allow you to undertake work outside the narrow permitted categories, access public funds, or undertake long-term study. If your intended activities fall outside the Visitor rules or the relevant concession, you should apply for the appropriate visa before travelling.

Does an ETA Guarantee Entry to the UK?

No. Holding an ETA allows you to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee admission. On arrival, a Border Force officer will still consider whether you meet the requirements of the route you are seeking to enter under. If there are concerns – for example about your intentions, credibility, or compliance with the Visitor rules – you can still be refused entry even with a valid ETA.

13. UK ETA and Travel From Ireland or the Common Travel Area

The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland operate the Common Travel Area (CTA), which also includes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The CTA affects how some travellers are treated for immigration purposes and, in turn, how the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement applies to journeys involving Ireland and Northern Ireland.

A key practical point is that the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland is not routinely controlled. However, the ETA scheme can still apply depending on a traveller’s nationality, whether they are resident in Ireland, and where they are travelling from within the CTA.

Do I Need a UK ETA if I’m Travelling From Ireland to Northern Ireland?

If you are from a country that would normally need an ETA to travel to the UK, you do not need an ETA if you both:

1. live in Ireland, and
2. are travelling to the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. 

This exemption is aimed at people who are lawfully resident in the Republic of Ireland and moving within the CTA. By contrast, if you are not resident in Ireland – such as a visitor who has travelled to Ireland for a short stay – then the CTA exemption is unlikely to assist and you should assume the normal ETA rules apply to travel to the UK.

Evidence for residents of Ireland (age 16+): if you rely on the Ireland residence exemption, you may be asked to show an original, valid Irish government-issued document confirming you live in Ireland (GOV.UK lists acceptable documents). Those under 16 do not need to carry this proof.

Travelling to the UK From Outside the CTA (Including via Ireland)

The Ireland residence exemption does not apply to travel to the UK from outside the CTA. In practical terms, if you are a non-visa national who requires an ETA and you are travelling to the UK from outside the CTA – whether directly or after transiting through Ireland – you should ensure you have the required digital travel permission (ETA, or eVisa where applicable) before departure.

Irish Citizens and the ETA Scheme

Irish citizens do not need an ETA. This reflects the UK’s long-standing CTA arrangements, under which Irish citizens can continue to travel to, live in and work in the UK without a visa or ETA (subject to the usual exceptions, for example where a person is the subject of a deportation order or exclusion decision).

14. Difference Between the UK ETA and EU ETIAS

European governments are increasingly moving towards pre-travel screening for visa-exempt travellers. Two systems are particularly relevant for international visitors: the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) and the EU’s forthcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Although they are often compared (and both are “permission to travel” systems rather than visas), they operate in different legal frameworks and apply to different destinations. Understanding the distinction matters because the requirements, validity and permitted stay are not the same.

Overview of the UK ETA

The UK ETA is the UK’s digital travel permission for certain non-visa nationals coming to the United Kingdom for short stays. It is typically used for visits such as tourism, visiting friends and family, business visitor activity, short courses of study where permitted, medical treatment as a visitor, and (where applicable) transit. It can also be relevant to travel under the Creative Worker concession, which can allow certain short paid creative engagements for up to three months in defined circumstances.

A granted ETA is generally valid for two years (or until the passport used in the application expires, if sooner) and can be used for multiple journeys, provided each visit remains within the relevant immigration rules. Eligible European nationals were brought within the ETA requirement from 2 April 2025 as the final major stage of the rollout.

Overview of EU ETIAS

ETIAS is the EU’s planned travel authorisation system for visa-exempt non-EU nationals travelling to participating European countries for short stays. EU institutions have indicated that ETIAS is expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2026, following implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System.

ETIAS will apply across 30 European countries, and the official eu-LISA list includes the Schengen states plus Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus (Ireland is not included).

A granted ETIAS will be valid for up to three years (or until passport expiry, if sooner) and will support short stays under the familiar 90 days in any 180-day period framework across the participating area.

On cost, the European Commission has announced an adjustment so that ETIAS is expected to cost €20 (replacing the earlier €7 figure), with the change intended to take effect when ETIAS becomes operational.

Key Similarities and Practical Differences

Both UK ETA and EU ETIAS are pre-departure authorisations designed to screen visa-exempt travellers in advance. Neither is a visa and neither guarantees entry: border authorities still retain the power to refuse admission if entry requirements are not met.

The main practical differences for travellers are:

• Geographic scope: UK ETA is for travel to the UK; ETIAS is for travel to the participating European countries listed above.
• Length of stay: the UK Visitor framework can allow stays of up to six months per visit, whereas ETIAS is tied to the 90/180 short-stay limit.
• Validity: UK ETA is generally two years; ETIAS is expected to be up to three years.
• Implementation status: UK ETA is already in force (including for eligible Europeans from April 2025); ETIAS is not yet live and is expected to follow later in 2026.

Which Travel Authorisation Do You Need?

If you are travelling to the UK as a visa-exempt national and the ETA scheme applies to your nationality, you will need a UK ETA before travel.

If you are travelling to participating European countries as a visa-exempt non-EU national, you will need ETIAS once it becomes operational. This will include British citizens travelling to the participating European countries after ETIAS is introduced.

15. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is still unfamiliar to many travellers. Below are answers to common questions about how the ETA works, who needs one, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Is the ETA a visa?

No. The ETA is a digital permission to travel. It is not a visa and it does not grant immigration permission by itself. You still need to meet the relevant requirements on arrival, and entry can be refused at the border.

Do I need an ETA if I already have a UK visa or immigration status?

Usually no. If you have a UK visa, or you already have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled/pre-settled status or right of abode), you do not need an ETA. There is also an exemption if you are waiting for a decision on an EU Settlement Scheme application.

Do children need an ETA?

Yes. Each traveller needs their own ETA, including infants and children. A parent or guardian can apply on a child’s behalf.

Can I use an ID card (or another travel document) instead of a passport to apply?

No. An ETA application is made using the passport you will travel with and the ETA is linked to that passport. If you do not have a suitable passport for an ETA application, you may need to consider a different route (often a visa), depending on your circumstances.

How much does a UK ETA cost?

It currently costs £16 to apply. The fee is payable during the application and is non-refundable once submitted.

How long is the ETA valid for?

An ETA lasts for 2 years, or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner). It can be used for multiple journeys during its validity, provided each trip remains within the relevant rules.

How long can I stay in the UK with an ETA?

This depends on the route you are using:

• as a Visitor, you can normally come for up to 6 months per visit;
  
• under the Creative Worker concession, the permitted period is up to 3 months in the circumstances covered by that concession.

How long does it take to get an ETA?

You will get a decision by email usually within a day. You should allow up to 3 working days (Monday to Friday) in case additional checks are needed.

Can I work in the UK with an ETA?

Not generally. Visitors cannot take employment or work for a UK company (or be self-employed) except where the rules specifically permit it – such as a permitted paid engagement or work under the Creative Worker concession.

Do I need an ETA to transit through the UK?

If you transit through a UK airport and will not pass through UK border control, you do not need an ETA. If you will pass through border control, you may need an ETA (if your nationality is ETA-required) or you may need to consider the appropriate transit visa route depending on your circumstances. Your airline can tell you whether you will go through border control.

Can I travel from Ireland to the UK without an ETA?

Some travellers can. If you are from a country that would normally need an ETA, you do not need one if you live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. If you are 16 or older, you may need to carry an original Irish government-issued document proving you live in Ireland.

What happens if my ETA is refused?

A refusal means you cannot use the ETA route to travel. It does not itself amount to a refusal of permission to enter the UK, but in practice you will usually need to apply for an appropriate visa before travelling (for example a Standard Visitor visa). If your purpose is transit, a transit visa may be relevant depending on whether you pass through border control and your individual circumstances.

Can I reapply for an ETA after a refusal?

Sometimes. If the refusal was caused by a genuine error that can be corrected, a fresh application may be possible. If the refusal reflects a substantive suitability issue (for example criminality, deception, or a relevant history of non-compliance), reapplying is less likely to succeed unless circumstances have materially changed.

Can an ETA be cancelled after approval?

Yes. An ETA can be cancelled after it is granted if a cancellation ground applies or if information comes to light showing it should not have been granted. After cancellation, travellers should assume they cannot rely on the ETA for travel and will usually need to consider a visa route if they still intend to come to the UK.

Will I be notified if my ETA is cancelled?

You should normally be notified (typically by email). If you attempt to travel when your ETA is not valid, you may encounter problems at departure (carrier checks) and you may also face difficulties on arrival.

Can I appeal a refusal or cancellation of an ETA?

There is no formal right of appeal or administrative review against an ETA refusal or cancellation. Where the ETA route is not available, the usual alternative is a visa application addressing the underlying issues with evidence and legal submissions where appropriate.