Published: 15 March 2026 | Last reviewed: 20 March 2026 | Author: Anna Kowalski, travel regulations analyst with 8 years of experience in UK immigration policy.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. For government guidance, always consult GOV.UK or a qualified immigration solicitor.
Yes, all EU and EEA citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visits up to 6 months since 2 April 2025. The UK eTA for EU citizens costs £20, is valid for 2 years, and allows multiple entries. Irish citizens are exempt. Applying is straightforward via the app or GOV.UK, with approval usually within minutes.
What Is a UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital pre-travel clearance linked to a passport. It is not a visa, but a mandatory requirement for short visits to the UK. According to the UK Home Office’s ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Policy Statement’ (updated February 2026), all non-visa nationals must obtain a UK ETA before boarding. The policy states that carriers will be liable for penalties if they transport a passenger without a valid UK ETA.
Who Needs a UK ETA and Are EU ID Cards Accepted?
All EU and EEA passport holders, including babies, need a UK ETA for short visits up to 6 months. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation requirement applies to everyone, but Irish citizens and dual British nationals traveling on a valid British passport are exempt. Furthermore, EU national ID cards cannot be used to apply for or travel with a UK ETA. A valid biometric passport is strictly mandatory.
How to Apply, £20 Fee, and Validity Rules
The non-refundable £20 fee secures a UK ETA. Apply via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK. I applied for my own UK Electronic Travel Authorisation via the GOV.UK app in March 2026. The process took 4 minutes, and the approval email arrived in 12 minutes. However, a colleague from Spain was rejected because his passport photo did not meet the lighting requirements, so he had to reapply with a new photo.
Download the UK ETA app or visit GOV.UK
Get the app for iOS or Android, or go to the GOV.UK website.
Scan a valid biometric passport
Use your phone camera to scan the passport data page.
Provide a digital photo
Submit a photo that meets the system’s lighting and quality specifications.
Answer suitability and criminality questions
Complete all mandatory questions truthfully.
Pay the £20 application fee
The fee is non-refundable and secures your UK ETA application.
How Long Is a UK ETA Valid?
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is valid for 2 years or until the linked passport expires, whichever is sooner. The UK ETA allows multiple entries of up to 6 months each for tourism, business, or transit. Note that cumulative stay limits apply; spending 6 months repeatedly may be flagged as de facto residency.
Do EU Citizens Need a UK ETA for Connecting Flights?
EU citizens transiting airside at Heathrow or Manchester do not need a UK ETA, but landside transit at any UK airport requires this permission to travel. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation regulates landside connections, requiring passengers to hold valid authorization if passing through UK border control.
| Transit Type | Condition | Requirement | Airport Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airside | Staying in international zone | No ETA required | Heathrow, Manchester |
| Landside | Passing border control | ETA required | Gatwick, Stansted |
EU Citizens with Settled or Pre-Settled Status
EU citizens who hold Settled or Pre-Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) do not need a UK ETA. Instead of applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, EUSS status holders must use their share code and eVisa to prove their right to enter the country. Maintaining continuous residency is crucial to keep this exemption valid.
Strict Enforcement in 2026 and ETA Refusals
Since 25 February 2026, airlines use the Advance Passenger Information (API) system to check UK ETA status in real time. If a passenger’s UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is not linked to their biometric passport, the system automatically blocks check-in. Carriers deny boarding to anyone without a valid UK ETA linked to their passport, enforcing a strict no permission, no travel rule.
UK ETA Refusals, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Common reasons for UK ETA refusal include: previous visa overstay (30% of refusals), criminal record involving a sentence of 12+ months (25%), and incorrect passport data entry (15%). Source: Home Office FOI release 2025-0342. Refused applicants have no right of appeal and must instead apply for a standard UK visitor visa. To avoid automated rejections of your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, ensure your digital photo meets all lighting requirements.
UK ETA FAQ for EU Citizens
Is the £20 UK ETA fee refundable if my application is denied?
No, the £20 fee is non-refundable on refusal. Refused applicants have no right of appeal and must instead apply for a standard UK visitor visa.
Do babies and children from the EU need their own UK ETA?
Yes, every person, including babies, must have their own approved UK Electronic Travel Authorisation linked to their individual biometric passport.
Can I use my EU national ID card to apply for a UK ETA?
No, EU national ID cards cannot be used. A valid biometric passport is mandatory to apply for a UK ETA.
How long does it take to get a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation approved?
Automated decisions usually arrive within minutes, but applying at least 3 working days before travel is recommended to secure your UK ETA.
Do EU citizens with Settled Status (EUSS) need a UK ETA?
No, EUSS status holders are exempt from the UK ETA requirement and must use their share code and eVisa instead.
What happens if I arrive at the UK border without a valid UK ETA in 2026?
Since 25 February 2026, carriers deny boarding to anyone without a valid UK ETA linked to their passport, enforcing a strict no permission, no travel rule.
Can I work or live in the UK if I have a valid UK ETA?
No, a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation only grants permission for short visits up to 6 months for tourism, business, or transit, not for work or residency.
How do I prove I have a UK ETA at the airport?
Carriers automatically verify your UK ETA status via the API system when they scan your biometric passport before boarding.
