UK ETA: what you need before you fly.
Visitors who do not need a UK visa, including Americans, Canadians, Australians and Europeans, must hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling. Without it, airlines, Eurostar and ferries refuse boarding.
Who needs a UK ETA
- Nationals of countries that do not need a visa for a UK visit: the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, EU countries, Switzerland, Norway and many more.
- Every traveller, including babies and children.
- Passengers in transit, unless they stay airside at Heathrow or Manchester (temporary exception).
Who does not
- British and Irish citizens.
- People with a UK visa, residence permit or settled/pre-settled status.
- Dual British nationals: travel on your British passport or a certificate of entitlement.
What you need to apply
- The passport you will travel with (a national ID card is not accepted, unless you hold EU Settlement Scheme status).
- A photo of your face, taken with your phone.
- An email address and a payment card.
- Answers to a few questions about criminal convictions and immigration history.
Mistakes that stop people at the gate
- Applying with a different passport from the one you travel with. The ETA is linked electronically to one passport.
- A typo in the passport number: the ETA is granted but does not match your document.
- Forgetting the children.
- Renewing a passport and assuming the ETA follows: it does not.
Our service
£20 official fee per person, paid with us at cost.
- Passport read automatically
- Every answer checked by a person
- Submitted and followed until the decision
−30% from the 2nd traveller
- Passports read in one go
- Children included
FAQ
How much does a UK ETA cost?
£20 since 8 April 2026, per person, children included. With Sésame: €29 service fee on top (Essential).
How long is the UK ETA valid?
Two years, or until the passport you used expires, whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips of up to 6 months each.
How long does a UK ETA take?
Most decisions arrive within 3 working days, many within minutes. Apply as soon as your trip is booked.
Is a UK ETA a visa?
No. It is a digital permission to travel, linked to your passport. Border Force still decides on entry when you arrive.
Do I need an ETA to change planes in London?
Not if you stay airside at Heathrow or Manchester without passing UK border control (temporary exception). With separate tickets, bags to collect or a change of airport, you need one.
Can I use my ETIAS for the UK?
No. ETIAS is for the Schengen area and Cyprus, and is not in operation yet. The UK has its own ETA.