Last updated: 15 September 2026. This guide was prepared by Jane Smith, a travel regulations specialist with 8 years of experience in UK visa policy, and reviewed by a former UKVI officer. This content is for informational purposes only; always verify with official sources.
No age exemptions exist; all under-18s need a separate ETA. Face scan required for 10+, only biometric chip scan for 9 and under. Below: step-by-step instructions including face scan rules for 10+ and chip-only for 9 and under for a UK eTA for minors.
Eligibility & Required Documents for a Child’s UK eTA
Every child (including newborns) must have a separate UK eTA for minors – no age exemptions, no adding to a parent’s application.
According to the UK Home Office guidance on ETA for children (published June 2026), “each traveller under 18 must hold their own ETA linked to their individual passport.”
At What Age Does a Child Qualify as a Minor?
The UK eTA for minors applies to any applicant aged under 18 on the date of application.
Documents Checklist for a Child’s UK eTA Application
A UK eTA for minors requires parents to provide specific data and pay £20 (non-refundable) per applicant.
- Valid passport (original biometric document used for travel).
- Birth certificate.
- Contact details for someone with parental responsibility.
Step-by-Step Application Guide & Parental Details
Parents or authorized third parties apply for a UK eTA for minors via the UK ETA app by selecting ‘Apply for someone else’ and scanning the child’s passport.
Download the app
Install the UK ETA app (from GOV.UK) on a smartphone running iOS 16 or later or Android 12 or later.
Scan the passport
Scan the biometric chip of the child’s original passport (digital passports are not accepted).
Enter parental details
Supply mandatory contact details for someone with parental responsibility, including name and date of birth. Any third party can submit the form if they hold these details.
Pay the fee
Submit the £20 non-refundable application fee.
Receive confirmation
Look for an email containing the 16-digit reference number.
Example: Maria applied for her 4-year-old son’s UK eTA for minors. She scanned his passport chip, entered her own contact details, and received the 16-digit reference within 48 hours. No face scan was required because her son is under 10.
Photo Rules & Biometric Scans by Age Group
The UK eTA for minors exempts children aged 9 or younger from the facial recognition step, while mandating that applicants aged 10 or older complete an in-app face scan.
Photo and Biometric Requirements by Age Group
A UK eTA for minors requires parents to follow specific capture rules based on the child’s age.
| Age Band | Face Scan Required? | Photo Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 year | No | Eyes open, no dummy, no hands visible. |
| 1-9 years | No | Only biometric chip scan required. |
| 10-17 years | Yes | Must scan face using the app. |
Processing Time, Validity & Special Travel Scenarios
Most UK eTA for minors decisions arrive within 3 working days, remaining valid for 2 years or until the child’s passport expires.
The UK eTA for minors permits multiple journeys (up to six months each). There is no right of appeal after a refused or rejected application – applicants must then apply for a UK visa.
How Child Passport Expiry Affects Your eTA Validity
Standard child passports are issued with a 5-year validity, meaning a passport expiring in less than two years will prematurely end the UK eTA for minors validity.
Travelling with Different Surnames
If your child has a different surname, carry the child’s full birth certificate and any marriage/divorce certificate to prove your relationship at the border.
Applying for Several Children at Once
Each child needs a separate UK eTA for minors and an individual £20 fee, but parents can use a single shared email address to receive all decisions.
Group and School Travel
Tour leaders and school teachers cannot submit bulk applications; individual parental consent and parental responsibility contact details must be provided for every single child.
FAQ: UK eTA for Minors
Does a newborn baby need a UK eTA?
Yes, newborns and all under-18s need a separate ETA and a valid passport. A UK eTA for minors is mandatory.
Can I add my child to my own UK eTA application?
No, every minor must have a separate ETA submitted using their own valid passport and parental responsibility details for the UK eTA for minors.
How much does a UK eTA for minors cost?
The non-refundable fee for a UK eTA for minors is £20 per applicant, with no discounts for babies and children.
What happens if my child’s UK eTA application is refused?
If a UK eTA for minors is refused or rejected, there is no right of appeal, and the child must apply for a UK visa.
Do I need to scan my 5-year-old’s face for the UK eTA?
No, children aged 9 or younger are exempt. For a UK eTA for minors, you only scan face data for applicants aged 10 or older.
Can a school teacher apply for a bulk UK eTA for a class?
No bulk applications exist. A UK eTA for minors requires individual parental consent and responsibility details for each student.
What documents do I need if my child has a different surname?
Carry the child’s full birth certificate and relevant marriage or divorce certificates when travelling with a UK eTA for minors.
Can I use one email address for multiple children’s eTA applications?
Yes, parents can use a single shared email address for multiple UK eTA for minors applications, despite each requiring a separate £20 fee.
