ETA UK: Apply Online for Your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation
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The ETA UK is the electronic travel authorisation that most visa-free visitors must hold before travelling to the United Kingdom. This page explains what it is, who needs it, how long it lasts and how to apply for ETA UK in a few minutes.
What is the ETA UK?
The ETA UK is a digital permission linked to your passport. It is not a visa: it does not allow you to work or settle in Britain, and it does not guarantee entry, because the final decision belongs to the border officer when you arrive. Since 2025, airlines, ferry companies and rail operators check the authorisation before you board.
Once approved, the ETA UK is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires if that happens first. It allows several trips, each lasting up to 6 months, and it covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
ETA UK requirements: who needs one?
The main ETA UK requirements are easy to check. To be eligible, you need:
- a nationality that can visit the United Kingdom without a visa for a short stay;
- a valid passport covering the whole trip;
- a trip of up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, business or a short course;
- no valid British visa already in your passport.
British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, do not need one. People legally resident in Ireland who travel within the Common Travel Area are also exempt, and so are passengers who stay airside during a transit at Heathrow or Manchester. If you are unsure whether the ETA UK requirements apply to you, use the government tool Check if you need a UK visa or read who needs an ETA for the UK.
How to apply for ETA UK in 3 steps
- Fill in the form with the details of your passport, your contact details and your travel date.
- We check your file before it is sent, to limit typing errors.
- Pay by card and receive your authorisation by e-mail and SMS once it is approved.
To apply for ETA UK without errors, use the passport you will travel with: the authorisation is tied to that document. Meeting the ETA UK requirements above is enough: no embassy visit is needed.
ETA UK application: what to prepare
Before you start your ETA UK application, gather these items:
- your biometric passport, valid for the whole stay;
- a recent passport-style photo;
- a valid e-mail address and a phone number where you can be reached;
- the address where you will stay in the United Kingdom.
An application cannot be edited once it has been sent: a mistake means a new application and a new payment. That is why our team checks every file before submission.
ETA UK online: price, validity and decision time
| Price | From €83 per traveller, £20 government fee included |
|---|---|
| Validity | 2 years, or until the passport expires |
| Stay per entry | Up to 6 months |
| Decision | Usually within a day, up to 3 working days |
Doing the ETA UK online takes about two minutes, but apply at least three working days before you travel to keep a margin. The price covers the UK government fee (it rose from £16 to £20 on 8 April 2026), the check of your file, support during the validity period and a free duplicate. The detailed UK ETA cost is explained in a partner guide.
Do you need an assistance service?
No, it is optional. The UK government also takes applications directly at gov.uk/eta/apply for £20. Our service costs more because it adds a check of your file before sending and support if something goes wrong. Applying for the ETA UK online with us makes sense if you want that extra safety; if you are comfortable with the form, the government route is a fair alternative.
After you apply, you can follow the decision with the free government service, as explained in this guide to checking your ETA status.
More guides
- Visiting London
- Covered nationalities
- Rules for Americans
- Children and babies
- Rejected or refused applications
- Layovers and connections
Frequently asked questions
Is the authorisation mandatory?
Yes, for most visitors who do not need a visa for a short stay. Airlines, ferry companies and rail operators check it before boarding, so without it you cannot travel. British and Irish citizens are exempt.
How do I apply for ETA UK?
Fill in the online form with your passport details, let our team check the file, pay by card and receive the authorisation by e-mail. The whole ETA UK online process takes about two minutes.
Can I complete the ETA UK online from my phone?
Yes. The form works on any phone, tablet or computer. Keep your passport in front of you, because you must copy the details exactly as they appear on it.
What if my application is refused?
A rejected ETA UK application can be submitted again. A refusal cannot be appealed: you must then apply for a visa instead.
Is this the government website?
No. We are a private assistance service, independent from the UK government. You can also apply directly on the government website for £20.
Do children need an authorisation?
Yes. Every traveller, including children and babies, needs an individual authorisation linked to their own passport.