Planning to visit the UK soon? As of April 2, 2025, if you're traveling to the UK and don't need a visa, you must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
This electronic authorization is part of the new border security system, similar to the U.S. ESTA system, and it was introduced to improve how entry into the country is managed.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about the UK ETA: who needs to apply, how the process works step by step, the cost, processing times, and a few useful tips to help make sure your application is approved.
Understanding these requirements is essential to avoid setbacks and enjoy a smooth trip.
Get ready and secure your entry to the UK quickly and easily!
What is the ETA (electronic travel authorization)?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is the new mandatory requirement you must obtain if you want to travel to the UK.
There is no age exemption: everyone must apply, including babies and minors. This authorization is required whether the UK is your final destination or you're only transiting through it.
For citizens of European Union countries, ETA applications opened on March 5, 2025, for travel starting April 2, 2025.
On the official UK government website, you can check whether you need an ETA or a Standard Visitor visa.
Who needs to apply for the ETA, and when?
Citizens of the United States, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay have been required to apply for an ETA since November 27, 2024, for travel from January 8, 2025.
The ETA system is being rolled out gradually for all visa-exempt countries.
As mentioned above, for citizens of European Union countries, ETA applications opened on March 5, 2025, for travel starting April 2, 2025.
Who doesn't need an ETA?
You do not need an ETA if any of the following apply to you:
- You're a British or Irish citizen.
- You have permission to live, work, or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status).
- You have a visa to enter the UK.
- You have a British Overseas Territories citizen passport.
- You live in Ireland and are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
What can you do with an ETA?
- Travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study, and stay in the country for up to 6 months.
- Travel to the UK with permission under the Creative Worker visa concession and stay in the country for up to 3 months.
- Travel to the UK for a permitted paid engagement.
- Transit through the UK on a landside basis. In some cases, exceptions may apply to transit without going through border control, known as airside transit. If that's your situation, check the official website before applying.
And if you're traveling to the UK for any other reason, check whether you need a visa.
What you can't do with an ETA
- Stay in the UK for more than 6 months.
- Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you're carrying out a permitted paid engagement or working under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Claim public funds (benefits).
- Live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
- Get married or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership. There's a special visa for that.
How much does it cost to apply for the ETA? (Updated April 2026)
The application currently costs £20 (it originally cost £10 when it was first introduced, and later increased to £16).
All travelers must have their own individual ETA, including babies and children. Of course, you can apply on someone else's behalf.
Keep in mind that once you've submitted the application, you will not be able to get a refund.
Before you start, what do you need to apply?
- A valid passport that you'll use to travel (not a photocopy or a digital passport).
- Access to your email account.
- A debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
- You will need to upload photos of the passport and of the applicant's face.
ETA photo requirements (avoid mistakes on your application)
When applying for the UK ETA, you'll need to upload a photo of your face. Although the process is simple, it's important to meet certain requirements to avoid delays or rejection.
What the correct photo should look like
- Plain, light-colored background, preferably white or a neutral color.
- Good lighting, with no shadows on your face or in the background.
- Your face fully visible, looking straight at the camera.
- Neutral expression, with your mouth closed.
- Eyes open and clearly visible, with no glare or obstructions.
- A sharp, clear image with no filters or edits.
Mistakes you should avoid
- Wearing sunglasses or glasses with glare on the lenses.
- Wearing hats, caps, or accessories that cover your face (except for religious reasons).
- Using a dark background or having objects behind you.
- Uploading a blurry, pixelated, or low-quality photo.
- Using social media-style filters.
- Having other people appear in the photo.
Practical tips (very important)
- Take the photo with your phone in a well-lit place (natural light is better than artificial light).
- Stand in front of a plain white wall or smooth background.
- Keep the camera at eye level.
- Don't crop a photo from another image (take a new one).
- Make sure your face takes up most of the image.
How to apply for the UK ETA
Applying for the ETA is a quick and fully online process. You can do it directly through the official UK government website, where you can complete your application in just a few minutes.
If you prefer, you can also apply through the official mobile app, available on the App Store and Play Store, which is a convenient option if you'd rather manage everything from your phone.
How long does ETA approval take, and how will I receive it?
You may receive a decision within minutes of submitting your application, or up to 3 business days later.
Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 business days.
What if I need to travel right away and still haven't received a response? Your ETA must be approved before you travel, as airlines may deny boarding if you don't have it.
If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation by email, and your ETA will be electronically linked to the passport you used when you applied.
When you travel, you must use the same passport.
If you get a new passport, whether because it was lost, stolen, or renewed, you'll need to apply for a new ETA and pay the full fee again, since it will be a new ETA linked to your updated passport.
Does my ETA have an expiration date?
Yes, your ETA is valid for 2 years.
You can enter the UK as many times as you want during those two years, or until you renew your passport for any reason (expiration, loss, or theft), whichever comes first.
What happens if my ETA is not approved?
In the unlikely event that this happens, you can apply for one of the following visas, depending on your situation:
- A Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK.
- A Temporary Work - Creative Worker visa to travel to the UK as a creative worker.
- A transit visa to transit through the UK.
Frequently asked questions about the UK ETA
What is the UK ETA?
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory electronic authorization required to enter the UK without a visa. You apply for it online, and it is linked to your passport.
Who needs to apply for the ETA?
All travelers from visa-exempt countries must apply, including babies and children, whether they are traveling for tourism or in transit.
When did the ETA become mandatory?
For citizens of European Union countries, it has been mandatory since April 2, 2025.
How much does the UK ETA cost?
The ETA costs £20 per person. It is non-refundable, even if the application is denied.
How long does ETA approval take?
Most applications are approved within minutes, but in some cases it can take up to 3 business days or longer. It is recommended that you apply in advance.
Can I travel without having my ETA approved?
No. You must have an approved ETA before you travel, as airlines may deny boarding if you do not have one.
How long is the ETA valid for?
The ETA is valid for 2 years or until you get a new passport. During that time, you can travel to the UK multiple times.
What does the ETA allow you to do?
It allows you to travel to the UK for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term study (up to 6 months), as well as transit through the country.
Does the ETA guarantee entry into the UK?
No. The final decision is made by the immigration officer at the airport, even if your ETA has been approved.
Do I need an ETA if I have a layover in the UK?
In most cases, yes, although it depends on the type of transit (whether or not you go through border control). It is recommended that you check your specific situation before traveling.
What do I need to apply for the ETA?
A valid passport, an email address, a payment method, and uploaded photos of the passport and the applicant's face.
How do I apply for the ETA?
You can apply online through the official UK government website or through the mobile app.
With the ETA, the UK has introduced a simple and accessible system, but it's important to follow the application process carefully and meet all the necessary requirements.
Because this is a new requirement, the rules may change frequently, and although we keep articles like this updated, we recommend checking the official UK government website since this is such an important travel requirement.
We hope this guide to the ETA has helped answer your questions. And we hope your trip is absolutely wonderful!
