As of February 25, 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK.
Who needs one:
Visitors from the U.S., Canada, EU countries, Australia, Japan, and roughly 80 other visa-exempt nations
Transit passengers passing through UK passport control during a connection
Who is exempt:
British and Irish citizens (dual nationals must travel on their British or Irish passport)
Travelers with a valid UK visa or settled/pre-settled status
Irish residents traveling within the Common Travel Area
What it costs and how to get it:
£16, valid for two years or until your passport expires
Apply through the UK ETA app or GOV.UK
Apply at least three working days before departure
Three things to do before you travel:
Confirm your nationality requires an ETA at the UK government’s eligibility checker
Apply early. Last-minute applications create unnecessary stress
Travel with the same passport you used for your ETA. The authorisation is digitally linked to that document. A new passport means a new ETA
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