UK ETA: £20, valid for 2 years, who needs one

Who needs one

Nationals who don't need a visa for short visits need an ETA instead: among them the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, EU and EEA countries except Ireland, Switzerland, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, and Taiwan passports that include the identity card number. Every traveller needs their own, including babies and children.

Since 25 February 2026 the UK has enforced it: without an ETA, airlines refuse boarding. Nationalities not on the ETA list, including mainland China, apply for a visitor visa instead.

Who doesn't

1. British and Irish citizens.
2. People with a UK visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK.
3. Holders of a British National (Overseas) passport.
4. Passengers transiting airside without passing UK border control. Check with your airline if you're not sure.
5. Residents of Ireland travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, if their nationality would otherwise need an ETA. Over-16s carry proof of residence issued by the Irish government.

Cost and how long it lasts

An ETA costs £20 since 8 April 2026; older articles still quote £10 or £16. There's no refund once you apply. It lasts two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner, and covers any number of trips of up to six months each. It's linked to the passport you applied with.

How to apply

1. Apply on GOV.UK or in the UK ETA app. Other sites may charge more, and none gets you a faster decision.
2. Have the passport you'll travel with, an email address and a credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You'll take or upload a photo of the applicant's face.
3. In the app you can apply for someone else only if they're with you; otherwise apply online.
4. A decision usually arrives by email within a day, but can take up to three working days. Wait for the email with your 16-digit ETA reference before you travel.

Data when you land

Install a UK eSIM before you fly; plans start counting when they first connect in the UK. On the London Underground, TfL said in June 2026 that around 60% of underground stations had mobile coverage on all four networks, with the rest due by the end of the year.