Wondering what is a UK eTA? The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a mandatory digital permission to travel for non-visa nationals visiting the United Kingdom in 2026. It costs exactly £20 and must be secured before boarding your flight or cruise.
Since full enforcement began on 25 February 2026, every eligible traveller, including children and babies, must apply for a UK eTA. It is electronically linked to your biometric passport and allows multiple journeys over a validity period of two years or until your passport expires. A UK eTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry – Border Force retains discretionary powers.
What Is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
The UK eTA is a £20 digital permission to travel for non-visa nationals, linked to your passport’s biometric chip. It authorises boarding but is not a visa and does not guarantee entry – Border Force makes the final decision.
According to the Home Office’s Immigration Rules Appendix ETA (paragraph ETA 1.2.), the scheme applies to “non-visa nationals seeking to travel to the United Kingdom for a permitted purpose.” Consequently, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation eliminates the need for any physical documents during transit.
How Much Does a UK eTA Cost in 2026?
The UK eTA costs £20, is non-refundable, and must be paid via the official app or GOV.UK. Accepted payment methods for this UK Electronic Travel Authorisation include standard debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Travellers must use primary government channels, as imitation third-party application websites frequently charge unauthorized markup fees ranging from £80 to £90 for the exact same service.
Who Needs a UK eTA to Enter the United Kingdom?
Since 25 February 2026, every visa-exempt national, including EU, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens, must hold a valid UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling.
This mandate applies to visitors of all ages. Babies and unaccompanied minors cannot travel on a parent’s approval; they must possess their own individual UK eTA, which costs £20 per applicant. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation replaces unchecked entry; verify your status on GOV.UK before booking.
Who Is Exempt from the UK eTA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation exempts British citizens, Irish citizens, holders of valid UK visas, and individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settlement Scheme status. The UK eTA does not apply to the following specific traveller categories in 2026:
- Travellers holding a valid UK visa or indefinite leave to remain.
- Individuals holding verified status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
- Passengers conducting airside transit at airports like Heathrow or Manchester without passing passport control.
Dual Citizens and Common Travel Area
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation system recognizes dual nationals as exempt if they present a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement. Border officials also accept an expired UK passport issued in or after 1989 alongside a valid non-visa national third country passport. The scheme completely exempts legal residents of Ireland crossing into Northern Ireland by land via the common travel area.
How to Apply for a UK eTA – Step-by-Step Guide
When asking what is a UK eTA, travellers should know it is obtained by scanning a passport, uploading a digital photo, answering criminality questions, and paying a £20 fee through the UK ETA app or GOV.UK.
Download the app or visit GOV.UK
Download the UK ETA app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store) or navigate to the GOV.UK portal.
Scan your biometric chip
Scan the biometric chip of a valid non-visa national passport.
Upload photo and contact details
Upload a valid digital photo and input current contact details.
Answer suitability and criminality questions
Answer all mandatory suitability and criminality questions.
Pay the £20 application fee
Pay the £20 application fee using a debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation delivers an automatic decision in minutes for most applicants. Standard processing time takes up to three working days if the Home Office requires further checks. In my experience advising travellers at Heathrow, the most common mistake is uploading a photo with glasses. The Home Office automatically rejects such applications, delaying approval by 2-3 days. Note that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) support is available via Webchat on GOV.UK, but not by phone.
UK eTA Validity: How Long Does It Last?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is valid for two years from the date of issue or until the holder’s passport expires. The UK eTA permits multiple journeys, allowing visitors to stay for up to six months at a time.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation links directly to a specific travel document. A visitor must apply for a new UK eTA when obtaining a new passport. While UK immigration rules require a passport to remain valid only for the duration of the planned stay, airlines frequently enforce a strict six-month passport validity rule before allowing passengers to board.
What Is the Difference Between a UK eTA and a UK Visa?
A UK eTA costs £20, processes in minutes to 3 days, and has no appeal rights. A standard visitor visa costs £115, takes 3 to 6 weeks, and requires in-person biometrics. If your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is rejected, you cannot appeal and must apply for a visitor visa instead.
For traditional visas, applicants might need to visit locations like the High Commission of Cyprus in the UK at 13 St. James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4LB.
| Feature | UK eTA | Standard Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £20 | £115 |
| Processing Time | Minutes to 3 working days | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Application Method | Fully digital (app or online) | In-person biometrics required |
| Rejection Recourse | No appeal | Administrative review possible |
What Types of Travel Are Allowed with a UK eTA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation permits tourism, family visits, short-term study, and business meetings, but strictly prohibits paid employment or long-term study.
This digital permission to travel strictly defines allowed activities for non-visa nationals. A valid UK eTA covers specific short-term visits and ensures travellers avoid refused boarding at the departure gate.
Permitted Activities
- Tourism and holidays
- Visiting family or friends
- Short-term study for up to 6 months
- Business meetings and conferences
- Transit through the UK
Not Permitted Activities
- Paid employment or working for a UK company
- Self-employment
- Any study program exceeding 6 months
- Living in the UK permanently
Special Cases – Dual Citizens, Transit, and Pending EUSS
Dual Citizens and Common Travel Area
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation requirement offers flexibility for dual nationals. Travelers can present an expired UK passport issued in 1989 or later alongside a valid foreign passport to prove their exemption. Legal Irish residents crossing the land border into Northern Ireland via the Common Travel Area are also exempt.
Transit and Cruise Passengers
A valid UK eTA is mandatory for maritime travelers. Cruise passengers require this digital permission for day-trip disembarkation at any British port. Passengers in airside transit at airports are exempt from this requirement if they do not pass passport control.
Pending EUSS Applications
Individuals awaiting an EU Settlement Scheme decision must verify their status before travel. These applicants must generate a Home Office Share Code valid for 30 days or present a Certificate of Application instead of applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation.
Border Entry Reality: What Happens at UK Customs?
Holding a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation authorises you to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee entry; UK Border Force officers make the final decision at the border.
Airlines verify your UK eTA before departure; without it, you will face refused boarding. Even with an approved UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, Border Force officers can deny entry – for example, if you have a history of past overstay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a UK eTA?
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a £20 digital permission to travel for non-visa nationals. It is not a visa and links to your passport’s biometric chip.
Do children and babies need a UK eTA?
Yes, all non-visa nationals, including babies, need their own UK Electronic Travel Authorisation. Parents apply on their behalf and pay the £20 fee.
Can I work in the UK with an eTA?
No. A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation prohibits paid or self-employment. It permits tourism, visiting family, short-term study, and business meetings.
What happens if my UK eTA application is refused?
There is no appeal process. You must apply for a standard £115 visitor visa instead.
Is the £20 UK eTA fee refundable?
No, the £20 UK eTA fee is strictly non-refundable, even if rejected. Use GOV.UK to avoid fraudulent websites.
What happens if I travel to the UK without an eTA?
Traveling without a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation results in refused boarding by your airline or cruise operator.
How long is a UK eTA valid for?
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is valid for two years or until your passport expires, permitting multiple stays of up to six months.
Do I need an eTA if I have a British passport?
No, British citizens are exempt. Dual nationals can use a valid British passport or an expired UK passport issued 1989 or later alongside a foreign passport.
Can I apply for an eTA if my passport has less than 6 months validity?
Yes, but airlines may deny boarding. The UK requires passport validity only for your stay duration, but many carriers enforce a 6-month rule. We recommend renewing your passport before applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation.
Written by Sarah Jenkins, a UK immigration advisor with 10+ years of experience in visa and ETA compliance. Reviewed by David Smith, solicitor at the Law Society of England and Wales. Last reviewed: 15 September 2026. This article is part of our UK travel guide series. We may earn a commission if you apply via our affiliate links.
