Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are being introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status. Here’s everything you need to know.

Eligible Europeans can now apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

Eligible non-Europeans already need an ETA to travel to the UK.

An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK.

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Visitors should apply in advance and find out when to do so on GOV.UK.

An ETA currently costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

From 9 April 2025 an ETA will cost £16. 

The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia, and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK.

How do people apply for an ETA? 

  • Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK is available on GOV.UK
  • The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app’, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store. People can apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
  • Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Most applicants currently get an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app, which means spontaneous trips to the UK are still possible.
  • Visitors are advised to allow three working days for a decision on their application, but this is to take account of the small number of cases which need further review. Visitors should apply in advance and find out when to do so on GOV.UK. 
  • To apply for an ETA, applicants need to:
    • Pay a fee 
    • Provide contact and passport details 
    • Provide a valid photo, complying with our rules for digital photos on GOV.UK 
    • Answer a set of questions 

People must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for an ETA.

For more information regarding ETA, please click here.