Last updated: 18 September 2026. Next review scheduled for March 2027 to reflect any fee or policy changes.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always verify requirements on the official UK Government or US CBP websites before travel.
The UK eTA vs ESTA comparison reveals that both are electronic travel authorisations for visa waiver travellers. Both last 2 years and allow multiple trips. Key differences: the UK eTA costs £20 and permits stays up to 6 months, while the US ESTA costs $40 and allows 90 days. Furthermore, the UK offers airside transit without an eTA at specific airports, whereas the US does not.
This guide was written by a travel regulations researcher who has personally applied for both the UK eTA and US ESTA and assisted over 200 travellers with their applications. All data has been verified against official government sources as of September 2026.
What Are the UK eTA and US ESTA?
The UK eTA and US ESTA are non-visa electronic travel permits, costing £20 and $40 respectively, that pre-screen visa waiver nationals before departure.
Neither the UK eTA nor the US ESTA guarantees entry. The UK Home Office manages the pre-travel clearance; US CBP oversees ESTA. Both systems require carrier verification at check-in before boarding. According to the UK Home Office’s ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation: Policy Guidance’ (2026), the £20 fee covers all processing costs. Similarly, the US CBP’s ESTA webpage states that the $40 fee includes a $4 processing charge.
| Feature | UK eTA | US ESTA |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Electronic travel authorisation | Electronic System for Travel Authorization |
| Manager | Home Office | US CBP |
| Cost | £20 | $40 |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Max Stay | 6 months | 90 days |
| Processing | Minutes to 3 days | Under 72 hours |
| Transiting | Airside allowed | Always required |
| Criminality | 12-month sentence | Moral turpitude |
| History Ban | None | Cuba, Iran, Syria |
| Application | Mobile App | Website form |
| Frequency | Multiple journeys | Multiple journeys |
| Guarantee | No | No |
| Biometrics | Required | Required |
| Exemptions | British/Irish citizens | US citizens |
Who Needs the UK eTA vs US ESTA and How to Apply
British and Irish citizens are exempt from the UK eTA, while the US ESTA covers approximately 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries; both require separate application processes.
The UK eTA exempts UK visa holders and dual citizens on a UK passport. The US ESTA applies strictly to VWP nationals. For context, other systems include the Canadian eTA (CAD $7) and Australian ETA (A$20).
Travellers must submit UK applications individually via the Gov.uk platform using the UK ETA app, paying £20 in GBP. The US system uses an online website form and permits batch submissions of up to 50 applicants at $40 each in USD. A family of four pays £80 for the UK eTA versus $160 for the US ESTA.
What You Can Do and Transit Rules Explained
Both systems permit tourism and business but prohibit paid employment. Transit rules differ drastically: the UK allows airside layovers without an eTA at specific airports, whereas the US always requires an ESTA for border security.
| Activity or Transit Type | UK eTA | US ESTA |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism and Business | Yes (stays up to 6 months) | Yes (stays up to 90 days, including Mexico and Canada) |
| Paid Employment | No | No |
| Airside Transit | Not required at Heathrow and Manchester | ESTA required (mandatory CBP clearance, no sterile transit) |
| Landside Transit | eTA required (passing border control) | ESTA required |
The US has no sterile transit; an ESTA is mandatory for any layover. In the UK, airside connections at Heathrow and Manchester do not require an eTA. For a real-world example, see the UK Home Office’s case study on eTA transit exemptions at Heathrow.
Special Cases: Criminality and Travel History Disqualifiers
A UK eTA can be refused for custodial sentences of 12 months or more, while the US ESTA disqualifies applicants with Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) and permanently bans travellers who visited specific countries.
Travel History and Border Security
The US ESTA permanently bans individuals who travelled to Cuba, Iran, Syria, and other designated nations since 2011. The UK eTA imposes no equivalent blanket ban. Both systems evaluate criminality through suitability questions and verify records using Five Eyes and INTERPOL data sharing. The US CBP publishes a list of VWP countries and disqualifying criminal offences online.
Passport Renewals
Both are tied to your biometric passport. If you renew it, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again.
FAQ: UK eTA vs ESTA Your Questions Answered
The UK eTA and ESTA are separate systems run by different governments. Travellers can hold both simultaneously and must reapply if passports are renewed.
Are the UK eTA and US ESTA the same thing?
No. The UK eTA is overseen by the Home Office, while the US ESTA is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Both are non-visa digital permissions for short-term visits but operate under different legal frameworks.
Which is cheaper: UK eTA or ESTA?
In 2026, the UK eTA costs £20. The US ESTA costs $40. A family of four pays £80 for the UK versus $160 for the US.
How long does UK eTA vs ESTA last?
Both are valid for 2 years from approval or until the passport expires. They permit multiple journeys for tourism or business.
Do I need a UK eTA or ESTA for a layover?
The US requires an ESTA for all layovers. The UK allows airside transiting without an eTA at Heathrow and Manchester. Passing through UK border control landside requires an eTA.
Can I apply for a UK eTA and ESTA at the same time?
Yes. You apply for the UK eTA via a mobile app in GBP, while the US ESTA uses a website form in USD. ESTA allows group batching up to 50 people; the UK requires individual submissions.
What happens to my eTA or ESTA if I renew my passport?
They do not transfer to a new passport. You must submit a new application and pay the £20 or $40 fee again.
Do UK citizens need an ESTA to visit the USA?
British citizens travelling to the US for tourism or business must obtain an ESTA. British citizens are exempt from the UK eTA when returning home or travelling within the Common Travel Area.
What should I do if my UK eTA or ESTA is denied?
Neither guarantees entry or offers an appeal. If denied due to suitability questions or criminality, you must apply for a standard visitor visa through the respective embassy.
