ETA UK: What It Is, Who Needs It & How It Works 2026

Section A: What is a UK ETA?

Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, is a digital permission that many overseas visitors now need before they travel to the UK. It is an advance security check that links electronically to the traveller’s passport and is checked by airlines, ferry companies and rail operators before they allow boarding.

From 25 February 2026, visitors from 85 non-visa nationalities in scope will not be able to legally travel to the UK without advance digital permission, either an ETA, or an eVisa or visa where they already hold UK immigration status. British and Irish citizens are outside the ETA system, although dual nationals need to take particular care when deciding which passport to travel on.

The ETA is a central part of the wider programme to digitise UK immigration control. It gives UK authorities more information about visitors before they travel and is intended to support a more streamlined, increasingly contactless border for those who have been checked and cleared in advance. It does not replace the need for a visa where a visa is already required and it does not alter the fundamental visitor rules on what people can do in the UK or how long they can stay.

1. ETA meaning

An Electronic Travel Authorisation is a pre-travel permission for certain nationals who previously could visit the UK without a visa. It is applied for online or through the UK ETA app and once granted it sits digitally against the passport details used in the application. Carriers use that record when deciding whether to let someone board a service to the UK. An ETA is similar in concept to the United States’ ESTA scheme, although the eligibility rules and conditions are specific to the UK.

The ETA scheme was introduced in stages, beginning with a small number of Gulf states and expanding to cover other non-visa nationalities, including nationals of the United States, Canada and EU and EEA countries. The system is now in routine use, with many millions of decisions issued, and from 25 February 2026 the requirement will be enforced as a legal pre-condition of travel for the 85 non-visa nationalities that fall within scope. Where a traveller already holds a valid form of UK immigration permission, such as a work visa, student permission or settled status held in eVisa form, they rely on that status rather than an ETA.

An ETA is not a visa. It does not change who needs a visa, it does not create any right to work or study and it does not remove the need to apply for a visa for longer stays or for activities that go beyond the visitor rules. It is also not the same as an eVisa. An eVisa is the digital record of immigration permission to live, work or study in the UK, whereas an ETA is simply a short-term travel authorisation for visitors and certain transit passengers.

Holding an ETA allows a person to travel to a UK port of entry but it does not guarantee admission. On arrival, Border Force officers still assess whether the person meets the visitor rules and wider suitability requirements. If they are not satisfied with the traveller’s circumstances or explanations, they can cancel leave to enter, refuse entry or grant a shorter period than the visitor expected.

2. What does a UK ETA allow?

An ETA allows a non-visa national to travel to the UK as a visitor or as a landside transit passenger. Once the traveller arrives, the conditions that apply are the standard visitor conditions under the Immigration Rules. In practice, this means they can undertake tourism and leisure, visit friends and family, carry out a range of limited and specific business activities, attend meetings and conferences, receive private medical treatment and, in many cases, complete a short course of study that fits within the visitor study provisions.

Non-visa nationals can also use an ETA to enter under the Creative Worker concession for short creative work of up to three months for an approved sponsor. That route has its own rules on eligible roles, sponsorship and pay which sit alongside the general visitor framework. For some travellers, an ETA will also be used for landside transit where they pass through passport control before catching an onward flight out of the UK.

There are clear limits on what an ETA covers. It does not give permission to work in the UK in a role that would normally require sponsorship, it does not allow long-term or full-time study, it does not provide a route to settlement and it does not permit someone to live in the UK through frequent or back-to-back visits. Anyone who wants to work, study for longer periods, join family on a long-term basis or stay beyond the usual visitor limits needs the appropriate visa or immigration permission instead. It is not possible to switch from an ETA-backed visit into another immigration route from within the UK, and there is no formal extension process for an ETA. When the ETA expires, a new application is needed if the person wants to travel again.

3. How long does an ETA last?

Once granted, a UK ETA is generally valid for two years from the date of issue or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It is a multi-entry permission, so the holder can use the same ETA for repeated trips during that period, as long as they continue to meet the visitor rules and there has been no change in their circumstances that would have affected the original decision.

Although the ETA itself can last for up to two years, each visit under that ETA is still limited to the maximum stay allowed under the visitor rules. For most visitors, that means up to six months at a time. Under the short-term Creative Worker concession, non-visa nationals can enter with an ETA for up to three months to carry out eligible work for a sponsored organisation, provided they continue to meet the conditions of that concession.

The ETA is hard-wired to the passport used in the application. If the passport is renewed, lost or replaced, the ETA no longer works and the traveller needs to apply again using their new passport. Travellers should also ensure that the passport they intend to use to travel remains valid for the whole of their stay, because arriving with a passport close to its expiry date can cause questions at the border even if the ETA has not yet run out.

4. When do you need an ETA for travel to the UK?

The ETA requirement applies to non-visa nationals who are travelling to the UK from outside the Common Travel Area and who do not already hold a form of UK immigration permission that allows entry. In broad terms, that covers visitors from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the EU and EEA states, as well as a range of other visa-waiver countries. From 25 February 2026, people from the 85 non-visa nationalities within scope will be expected to hold either a valid ETA or digital evidence of another form of UK permission before a carrier allows them to travel.

The rule is about the journey into the UK rather than the final destination. An ETA can be required for those flying directly to a UK airport, for those arriving by ferry, cruise ship or private vessel and for passengers arriving by rail, for example on Eurostar services. Where a traveller already holds an eVisa or physical visa that covers the purpose and timing of their visit, they rely on that permission instead of an ETA.

British citizens, Irish citizens and certain people who are lawfully resident in Ireland and travelling from within the Common Travel Area do not fall within the ETA requirement. However, the detail of those exemptions, particularly for non-Irish nationals living in Ireland, sits in the specific eligibility rules covered later in the guide. For dual nationals, especially those with British or Irish citizenship, the safest approach from 25 February 2026 is to travel on the British or Irish passport or on another passport that contains a valid certificate of entitlement to the right of abode, so that carriers and Border Force can see clear permission to travel without an ETA.

5. Do you need an ETA to transit through the UK?

Transit is treated differently depending on whether the traveller stays airside in the international part of the airport or passes through UK passport control. At present, many non-visa nationals who transit through a UK airport without passing through border control (airside transit) for a same-day connection do not need an ETA, provided they do not go through border control and they meet the conditions for airside transit at those airports. This airside exemption is a specific policy choice intended to keep the UK attractive as a hub for international connections and may be reviewed in future.

If a non-visa national intends to pass through UK passport control during their connection, for example to change airports, collect baggage or stay overnight before an onward flight, they are treated as a landside transit passenger. In those cases, an ETA is required unless the person already holds another form of UK permission that covers their stay. Visa nationals do not fall within the ETA scheme for transit and instead rely on the UK’s transit visa routes or, in some cases, a transit-without-visa concession. The detailed rules and the different visa options for transit are dealt with in the later section on transit visas and transit exemptions.

Read our comprehensive guide to UK transit rules here >>

Section B: UK ETA Changes

The ETA scheme has moved from phased rollout to full operational status, supported by new enforcement measures and a clearer legal requirement for non-visa nationals to hold either an ETA or an eVisa before travelling to the UK.

From 25 February 2026, travellers from the 85 non-visa nationalities within scope will not be able to travel lawfully to the UK unless they hold digital permission. Carriers are already preparing for strict compliance checks and the government has signalled that boarding will be refused where no ETA or other relevant permission is found.

The expansion of ETA across all non-visa nationalities is part of a wider shift towards a fully digital immigration and border system. The UK intends to move to increasingly contactless entry for visitors who have been security screened in advance, reducing friction at the border and allowing Border Force resources to be focused on higher risk passengers. The changes announced to date reinforce the idea that the ETA is not an optional convenience but a mandatory part of modern UK border control.

1. Rollout and enforcement timeline

The ETA system was introduced in stages, beginning with Qatar in late 2023 and extending to various Gulf states and Jordan during 2024. By 2025, the requirement applied to a broad range of non-visa nationals, including visitors from the United States, Canada and EU and EEA countries. The Home Office has now confirmed that ETA enforcement will apply fully from 25 February 2026. From that date, visitors from the 85 non-visa nationalities covered by the scheme must either hold an ETA or have an eVisa linked to a valid form of UK immigration permission. Where a person relies on a visa or other long-term permission, the carrier will verify that status digitally without the need for an ETA.

The Home Office has made clear that during the initial rollout period some flexibility was applied to give visitors time to adjust. That transitional approach is ending. Home Office policy is for carriers to check passengers’ digital permission before boarding, and for passengers without it to be stopped before travel.

2. Fee changes and system updates

The cost of applying for an ETA is now £16. Earlier references to the original £10 fee are historic and no longer apply. The application can be made using the official UK ETA app or via GOV.UK, with most decisions issued automatically and often within minutes. For the minority of applications requiring additional security or background checks, the Home Office advises allowing up to three working days. An approved ETA is then linked electronically to the passport used in the application and can be checked by carriers using Advance Passenger Information systems.

The Home Office continues to refine the application process, including improved passport scanning and clearer guidance for applicants who may struggle with photo capture or lighting. The system has also been expanded to integrate more closely with the wider digital status platform, helping to distinguish those who need an ETA from those who already hold valid UK immigration permission in eVisa form.

3. Updates for specific traveller groups

Home Office guidance for dual citizens confirms that dual British and dual Irish citizens cannot obtain an ETA and are expected to travel on a British or Irish passport, or on a passport containing a valid certificate of entitlement. Under current arrangements, Home Office guidance for dual British citizens indicates that they may be allowed to travel using the passport of their other non-visa national country, but this flexibility is expected to end once the ‘no permission, no travel’ enforcement starts on 25 February 2026.

From that date, dual British or Irish citizens who cannot show a British or Irish passport, or a certificate of entitlement, may not be able to board, and may face additional identity checks before they can go through UK passport control.

The Home Office has also introduced an airside transit exemption for certain airports. Non-visa nationals who remain airside at London Heathrow or Manchester Airport for same-day international connections currently do not need an ETA, provided they do not pass through UK passport control. This exemption is a policy decision intended to support the UK’s role as an international hub. It does not apply to landside transit, where an ETA is required for non-visa nationals unless they hold another form of valid UK permission.

Section C: Who needs an ETA for the UK?

The ETA requirement does not apply to everyone in the same way. The scheme is aimed at non-visa nationals, while travellers who already hold UK immigration permission continue to rely on that status instead. The position is also different for British and Irish citizens, for certain non-Irish residents of Ireland travelling from within the Common Travel Area, and for some transit passengers.

Understanding where you sit within these categories is important, because from 25 February 2026 carriers are expected to check that you have either an ETA or an eVisa before they allow you to travel to the UK.

1. Nationalities requiring an ETA

If you are a national of a non-visa national country and you do not already hold UK immigration permission, you will usually need an ETA to travel to the UK for up to six months as a visitor. This covers tourism, visiting family and friends, permitted business activity, short-term study that fits within the visitor study rules and private medical treatment. You will also need an ETA if you are a non-visa national entering the UK for up to three months under the short-term creative route for non-visa nationals, or if you are a landside transit passenger who will pass through UK passport control on your way to another country.

The table below gives an overview of the main categories of traveller and whether an ETA is required in principle.

Non-visa nationalities are set out in Home Office policy and include the following countries and territories, subject to the specific Taiwan passport condition explained after the table:

The asterisk for Taiwan indicates that only holders of Taiwan passports which include the passport holder’s Taiwan-issued identification card number fall within the non-visa national policy and can benefit from travel on an ETA-backed visit. Other Taiwan passport holders are treated as visa nationals and need a visa to travel.

This list is correct at the time of writing, but ETA eligibility can change, so always check the latest list on GOV.UK before relying on it.

2. Nationalities not requiring an ETA

Certain groups are expressly outside the ETA requirement. You will not need an ETA if any of the following apply to you:

a. You are a British or Irish citizen, a British Overseas Territories citizen or a British National (Overseas) travelling on a qualifying passport

British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA to travel to the UK. The same applies to travellers using a British Overseas Territories citizen passport or a British National (Overseas) passport. Dual nationality issues are dealt with separately below, because people who hold British citizenship as well as another nationality need to think carefully about which passport they use from 25 February 2026.

b. You already have permission to live, work or study in the UK

If you hold a valid form of UK immigration permission that allows you to live, work or study in the UK, including settled or pre-settled status or indefinite leave to remain, you rely on that status instead of an ETA. It remains your responsibility to ensure that the permission you plan to rely on genuinely covers the purpose and timing of your trip.

c. You have a valid visa to enter the UK

If you have a current UK entry clearance or visa which covers the period and reason for your travel, you do not also apply for an ETA. This applies both to visit visas and to longer-term work, study and family visas. If your visa will expire before you arrive or while you are in the UK, you will need to resolve that position before travelling, because an ETA cannot be used as a back-up when a visa has lapsed or is no longer appropriate.

d. You qualify for an ETA exemption as a transit passenger or an Irish resident

You do not need an ETA if you are transiting through a UK airport and will not pass through border control, for example where you remain airside on a same-day connection at London Heathrow or Manchester Airport. You are also exempt if you live lawfully in Ireland, would otherwise need an ETA and you are entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, provided you can prove your residence with acceptable documents such as an Irish Residence Permit, an Irish driving licence or another Irish government-issued document listed in the GOV.UK guidance. These exemptions are tightly drawn and do not apply if you are a visa national or if you are travelling to the UK from outside the Common Travel Area.

3. Dual citizens and ETA rules

New guidance has clarified the position for dual citizens. If you hold British citizenship or Irish citizenship alongside another nationality, you cannot obtain an ETA. Instead, you are expected to prove your permission to travel to the UK using one of the following: a valid UK passport, a valid Irish passport or another valid passport which contains a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode. In other words, you travel on the basis of your British or Irish status rather than as a non-visa national relying on an ETA.

Until 24 February 2026, some dual British citizens may still be able to board transport to the UK using the passport of their other nationality if that passport is eligible for an ETA, even though no ETA has been granted. From 25 February 2026, the expectation changes. Carriers are being instructed that dual British or Irish citizens who do not have an appropriate British or Irish travel document, or a passport with a certificate of entitlement, may not be allowed to travel and may face additional identity checks before they can pass through passport control. In practical terms, dual citizens should now treat obtaining a British or Irish passport, or a certificate of entitlement where appropriate, as a priority if they intend to travel to the UK after that date.

4. Children and babies

The ETA requirement applies to children in the same way as it does to adults. Every child or baby who falls within scope of the scheme needs their own ETA, unless they are exempt because they are a British or Irish citizen, have a relevant form of UK immigration permission or come within an exemption such as the Irish resident CTA concession. A parent or guardian can complete the ETA application on behalf of a child, but the application will still be assessed against the standard security and eligibility checks and will be linked to the child’s own passport.

Families should factor this into their travel planning, especially where children hold different nationalities or where passports are close to expiry. Because an ETA is tied to the specific passport used at application stage, any change in a child’s passport, such as renewal, loss or replacement, will require a fresh ETA application before travel to the UK.

Section D: UK ETA Application Process

The ETA application process is designed to be quick and straightforward, provided the traveller has a valid biometric passport and supplies clear identity information. The system has been built around mobile technology, with most applicants choosing to apply using the UK ETA app, although an online application route is also available on GOV.UK.

Decisions are often issued automatically through real-time security checks, but applicants should still allow for the small number of cases where additional review is needed.

Every traveller, including children and babies, needs their own ETA unless they fall within one of the exemptions already outlined in the earlier sections of this guide.

1. How to apply for a UK ETA

Applications can be submitted either through the UK ETA app or online via the official GOV.UK service. The app remains the most convenient route for most people, since it guides the user through scanning their passport, capturing a photograph and completing the required security and background questions. The same steps apply through the web route, although passport scanning and image capture can sometimes be more sensitive to lighting or device limitations.

Each traveller must make a separate application. Adults can apply on behalf of children or dependants, provided they have the child’s passport and can complete the identity and eligibility answers accurately. Applicants need to provide a valid biometric passport, a recent digital photograph where required, an email address for receiving updates and a payment method. The app supports common digital payment services as well as standard debit and credit cards.

Once the form is submitted, the application is screened automatically against Home Office and security databases. Most applicants receive a decision in minutes, although some decisions take longer where additional checks are needed. The official guidance advises allowing up to three working days in case the application falls into the minority of cases that cannot be decided automatically. Travellers should avoid booking non-refundable travel until they have confirmation, especially if they have any history or circumstances that may warrant additional review.

When an ETA is granted, the applicant receives an email confirming the decision. The ETA is linked electronically to the passport used in the application, so there is no physical document to carry. Carriers access ETA records through their Advance Passenger Information systems, which allows them to verify permission before boarding.

2. How much is a UK ETA?

The ETA fee is £16 per applicant. This is payable at the point of application and is non-refundable, including where an application is refused. Families making multiple applications should ensure that each payment is completed and that a confirmation email has been received for each traveller. Where an ETA is refused, the person will need to apply for the appropriate UK visa if they still intend to travel. The refusal of an ETA does not create a right of appeal or administrative review and does not allow a person to travel while a visa application is pending, unless and until that visa is granted.

3. How long does the ETA application take?

Most ETA applications are processed automatically, with decisions issued within minutes. Factors such as poor image quality, incomplete answers or background data checks can result in longer processing times. The Home Office recommends allowing up to three working days to ensure that any additional checks can be completed in time for planned travel. Applicants who know they have previous immigration history or any issues that might trigger questions should apply well in advance of booking travel. Once approved, the ETA takes effect immediately and remains valid for two years or until the linked passport expires.

4. Beware of scam ETA websites

Travellers should only apply for an ETA using official UK government channels. The authorised platforms are the UK ETA mobile app and the GOV.UK application service. Several unofficial websites present themselves as legitimate application services, often charging inflated fees or collecting personal data without providing a valid ETA. Some of these sites resemble official platforms and can mislead applicants into paying for services that offer no value or, worse, expose them to identity fraud.

Using an unofficial service risks delays, unnecessary fees and compromised personal details. The safest approach is to check that the web address contains “.gov.uk” or to download the official app directly from a trusted app store. Travellers should not share passport images, personal details or payment information with third-party services unless they are certain those services are authorised to act for them. Official channels ensure that the correct £16 fee is paid and that the application is handled securely and in line with Home Office processes.

Section E: If your ETA is refused

If an ETA application is refused, you will not be able to travel to the UK using that route. Carriers are expected to check for digital permission before boarding and an ETA refusal means there is no permission in place for a short visit or transit under the ETA scheme.

In most cases, following an ETA refusal, the next step will be to consider whether you are eligible to apply for a visa that matches the purpose of your trip, for example a Standard Visitor visa, a Temporary Work visa or a transit visa.

The refusal decision will remain on Home Office records and can be taken into account in any future UK immigration applications you make.

You cannot appeal or challenge a refused ETA. The refusal is recorded and, if you still want to travel, you normally look at either a fresh ETA application (where you can correct a clear error) or a visa application supported by more extensive evidence.

Where refusal is based on serious suitability concerns such as criminality, deception or previous immigration breaches, a later visa application is likely to attract the same level of scrutiny.

1. Moving from ETA to a visa application

If your ETA has been refused but you still intend to travel to the UK, you will usually need to apply for an appropriate visa before making any new travel plans. The visa type you choose depends on why you are travelling and what you intend to do in the UK. For most leisure, family and standard business visits, the correct route is a Standard Visitor visa. If you are planning to carry out paid creative work, you may need a Temporary Work route such as the Creative Worker visa. For journeys where the UK is only a transit point on the way to another country, you may need one of the UK transit visas.

A visa application is more detailed than an ETA application and will normally require supporting documents to show your finances, your ties to your home country and your plans in the UK. Where an ETA was refused, it is sensible to address the likely reasons for that refusal in your visa application, for example by explaining previous immigration history or providing evidence about a minor criminal conviction. A well prepared visa application can sometimes succeed where a lighter-touch ETA assessment raised concerns.

2. Standard Visitor visa after ETA refusal

For most people who wanted to travel on an ETA for tourism, family visits, permitted business activity or a short course of study, the closest alternative is a Standard Visitor visa. The rules you need to meet are essentially the same as the visitor rules that apply to someone travelling with an ETA, but the application process is more detailed and involves a fuller assessment of your circumstances.

To be eligible for a Standard Visitor visa, you need to:

• be genuinely seeking to come to the UK for a purpose permitted under the visitor rules
• be able to support yourself for the duration of your stay in the UK
• be able to pay the reasonable costs relating to your UK visit without undertaking paid work or accessing public funds, including the cost of your return or onward journey
• not intend to undertake any prohibited activities during your stay in the UK
• intend to leave the UK at the end of your permitted stay
• not intend to live in the UK for extended periods of time through frequent or successive visits or treat the UK as your main home

The same underlying visitor standards are applied at the border for those travelling on an ETA, so an ETA refusal can be a warning sign that the Home Office doubts whether you meet these requirements. A Standard Visitor visa application after ETA refusal should therefore focus on explaining your plans, your finances and your ties outside the UK in a clear and credible way.

3. Creative Worker and transit visas after ETA refusal

Some travellers seek to use an ETA for short-term creative work under the non-visa national concession, or for transit through the UK on the way to another country. Where an ETA is refused in these situations, the next step may be to look at the specialist visas that mirror those activities. A Creative Worker visa under the Temporary Work route is aimed at people coming to the UK to work in the creative industries for a UK-based sponsor, for example as an actor, musician, dancer or member of film crew. It requires a Certificate of Sponsorship, pay at or above the relevant industry minimum and evidence that you can support yourself on arrival.

For travellers who only want to pass through the UK on the way to another country, a transit visa may be more appropriate. There are two main types of UK transit visa. A Direct Airside Transit visa is for those who will change flights within the UK but remain airside and will not go through passport control. A Visitor in Transit visa is for those who plan to pass through passport control but leave the UK within 48 hours. Frequent transit can be covered by a longer-duration transit visa, but if any single stay will exceed 48 hours or involve activities that go beyond pure transit, a Standard Visitor visa is likely to be required instead.

Transit visa applications usually require you to show your confirmed onward travel booking and, where relevant, proof that you are allowed to enter your destination country, such as a residence permit or valid visa. Where an ETA has been refused, the Home Office will expect a clear explanation of your travel plans and reasons for choosing the UK as a transit point.

Section F: Travelling to the UK with an ETA

An ETA confirms that the Home Office has granted advance permission for you to travel to the UK as a visitor or as an eligible transit passenger. It does not remove the need to go through UK border control, and it does not give an automatic right to enter the country. When you reach the UK, you still need to satisfy Border Force that your visit meets the rules and that your circumstances have not changed since your ETA was approved. In practice, most visitors with a valid ETA experience straightforward entry, but you should travel with enough information to explain your plans, especially if your trip involves anything more than tourism or visiting friends and family.

Carriers check ETA records digitally before boarding. These checks take place through Advance Passenger Information systems, so you do not need to show the ETA email at the airport, although carrying a printout or saved copy can be helpful if you need to demonstrate that you applied using the correct passport. Your passport is the key document. If the details do not match the information in the ETA record, for example because you changed your passport after applying, the airline or ferry operator may treat you as having no permission and refuse boarding.

1. What to carry when travelling with an ETA

While the ETA itself is electronic, you should still travel with documents that explain your plans and support your reasons for entering the UK as a visitor. Border Force officers can ask questions about the purpose of your trip, how long you intend to stay, where you will be staying and how you will fund your visit. Visitors entering for permitted business activity may be asked for evidence such as an invitation letter or details of the events they are attending. Those visiting friends or family may be asked to explain their relationship and provide an address for their stay.

You should also have evidence of your return travel or onward journey, as well as access to sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. These checks help establish that you intend to leave at the end of your visit and that you are not planning to work or live in the UK without the correct immigration permission.

2. Entry checks at the UK border

You will need to pass through passport control to enter the UK, either through the automated ePassport gates if you are eligible or by seeing a Border Force officer. An ETA does not change the documents you need to show at the border. It simply provides advance clearance for the journey and a digital record that the carrier and Border Force can see. At the point of entry, officers may still refuse admission or impose a shorter period of stay if they are not satisfied that you meet the visitor rules or if new information comes to light since your ETA was granted.

Eligibility for ePassport gates depends on your nationality, age and passport type. Many non-visa nationals with biometric passports can use the gates, although temporary airport closures or queues can mean you are directed to an officer instead. Regardless of which route you take, the terms of the visitor rules still apply and you may be asked detailed questions if there is any uncertainty about the purpose or length of your visit.

3. What an ETA does not guarantee

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. It is permission to travel only. Border Force officers still make the final decision on entry when you arrive, and they can refuse admission if they are not satisfied with your reasons for visiting, your documents or your immigration history. Common issues that cause delays or refusals at the border include unclear travel plans, evidence suggesting regular or extended stays that resemble residence, or any indication that you may intend to work without appropriate permission.

An ETA also does not change the rules on the maximum length of stay. Most visitors are allowed up to six months, although officers can limit the stay to a shorter period if the itinerary supports a shorter visit. If you attempt to enter repeatedly in quick succession, you may be questioned to ensure that you are not trying to live in the UK through consecutive visits. The visitor rules are applied strictly, and reliance on a valid ETA will not override concerns about the nature or frequency of your travel.

Section G: Managing Your ETA Status

Your ETA is a digital travel permission that stays linked to the passport you used when applying. There is no physical document to carry, no expiry sticker and no separate account to log into. The ETA remains valid until it expires, your passport changes or the Home Office cancels it. Effective management comes down to keeping your passport details stable, checking your status when needed and understanding what to do if your circumstances change before you travel. Because carriers rely entirely on the digital record, any mismatch between your passport and ETA will be treated as no permission to travel, which can lead to refused boarding even if your ETA was originally granted.

1. How to check your ETA status

The email you receive when your ETA is granted is your confirmation that the permission has been issued and linked correctly to your passport. You do not need to print it and you do not need to show it to the airline or ferry operator, although carrying a copy can help resolve questions if a name or date appears unclear. Some travellers also use the ETA app to check the application history, although not all details are visible through the app once a decision has been made. If you need formal confirmation of the status, you can use the details in the decision email to cross-check that you applied using the correct passport.

Because ETA checks are done automatically through Advance Passenger Information systems, carriers rely entirely on the digital record. If the passport number or identifying biographic data in your ETA does not match your passport at the time of travel, the system will return a “no permission” result. This is why it is important to reapply if you renew or replace your passport.

2. Renewing or replacing an ETA

There is no renewal or amendment process for an ETA. If your ETA expires, or if your passport is replaced for any reason, you will need to submit a new ETA application before you travel again. An ETA becomes unusable the moment the linked passport ceases to be valid, even if the ETA itself has time left on it. This applies to adults and children. Families should ensure they check passport expiry dates well in advance of planned travel, particularly where children’s passports have shorter validity periods.

If your ETA is cancelled by the Home Office, you will need to apply again or consider an alternative visa route depending on the reason for cancellation. Cancellation can occur where new information comes to light, where there has been a material change in circumstances or where the Home Office has concerns that were not apparent at the time of the original decision.

3. Updating details and managing changes

You cannot edit the details in an ETA once it has been issued. If any of your personal information changes, such as your name or passport details, or if you obtain a new passport, you will need to apply for a fresh ETA. The ETA must always match the passport you intend to travel with. Travellers who hold more than one nationality should also consider how any change in travel document affects their wider position. From 25 February 2026, dual British or Irish citizens are expected to travel on a British or Irish passport or on a passport containing a certificate of entitlement, rather than relying on their other nationality to board without an ETA.

If you are uncertain about whether a change in circumstances affects your ETA, the safest approach is to treat any new passport, significant personal detail change or shift in intended travel purpose as a trigger to reassess your position. Because the ETA system cannot be amended and carriers rely entirely on digital checks, it is better to apply again than to risk being denied boarding due to mismatched information.

Section H: Summary

The UK ETA has now moved beyond pilot phase to become a fixed part of the border system. For the 85 non-visa nationalities in scope, from 25 February 2026, either you hold a valid ETA for a short visit or transit, or you hold another form of UK immigration permission such as an eVisa. Carriers will check that permission before you travel. If there is no valid digital record, you should expect to be refused boarding long before you reach a UK border control point.

The scheme does not change who needs a visa or what visitors are allowed to do in the UK. It sits on top of the existing visitor rules and gives the Home Office more data and control earlier in the journey. That means more scrutiny of patterns of repeat visits, work in visitor status and borderline cases such as creative work, business visits and extended stays with family. It also places greater weight on getting the basics right: using the correct passport, applying in good time and keeping your plans firmly within the visitor framework.

Certain groups sit outside the ETA regime, but they are tightly defined. British and Irish citizens do not use the scheme and dual nationals have been given clear instructions to travel on their British or Irish passport or with a certificate of entitlement. Some non-Irish residents of Ireland benefit from a Common Travel Area exemption when travelling from within the CTA, and there is currently leeway for specific airside transits at Heathrow and Manchester. Those are narrow carve-outs, not general workarounds.

UK border control is moving to a model where permission is verified in advance and where gaps in process are punished at the point of travel. Treat ETA as part of your standard travel planning, not an afterthought. Build in checks on nationality, route, passport validity and purpose of travel well before tickets are booked. That approach will reduce the scope for last-minute surprises and put you on the right side of a system that is only going to become more digital and more data-driven over time.

Section I: Need Assistance?

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. For advice on your immigration options to come to the UK, contact our experts. 

Section J: UK ETA FAQs

What is the UK ETA?

The UK ETA is an Electronic Travel Authorisation, a digital permission that certain non-visa nationals need before travelling to the UK. It gives advance permission to travel for short visits or eligible transit, and is checked by carriers before they allow you to board.

Who needs an ETA to travel to the UK?

Nationals of the 85 non-visa countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and EU and EEA states, need an ETA to visit the UK for short stays or to transit landside, unless they already hold valid UK immigration permission. British and Irish citizens are exempt. Visa nationals still need a visa and do not use the ETA route.

Is an ETA a visa?

An ETA is not a visa. It is a lighter-touch travel authorisation for short visits and certain types of transit. It does not give permission to work, study long term or settle in the UK, and it does not replace a visa where a visa is required under the Immigration Rules.

How much does a UK ETA cost?

An ETA costs £16 per applicant. The fee is paid when you submit your application and is not refunded if the ETA is refused or if you later decide not to travel.

How long does it take to get an ETA?

Most people receive a decision within minutes because the system can make an automatic assessment. Some applications need more checks, so the Home Office advises allowing up to three working days before you travel in case your application falls into that group.

How long is a UK ETA valid for?

An ETA is normally valid for two years from the date it is granted, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever is earlier. You can use it for multiple visits during that period as long as each visit complies with the visitor rules.

Do I need an ETA if I am only transiting through the UK?

If you are a non-visa national and you will pass through UK passport control during your connection, you need an ETA unless you already hold another form of UK permission. If you remain airside on a same-day international connection at London Heathrow or Manchester Airport and do not go through border control, you currently do not need an ETA. Visa nationals use the UK transit visa routes or a transit-without-visa concession instead.

Does an ETA guarantee entry into the UK?

An ETA gives permission to travel, not an automatic right to enter. Border Force officers still decide at the border whether you meet the visitor rules and suitability requirements. They can refuse entry, shorten the period of stay or cancel permission if they are not satisfied with your circumstances or explanations.

How do I apply for an ETA?

You apply using the UK ETA app or the official service on GOV.UK. You provide your passport details, answer security and eligibility questions, upload a photo where required and pay the £16 fee. Each traveller, including children and babies, needs a separate application.

What documents do I need when applying for an ETA?

You need a valid biometric passport from an eligible non-visa country, a recent digital photograph where the system asks for one, an email address for updates and a payment method such as a debit or credit card or an approved digital wallet. You also answer questions about your background, travel history and security.

Can someone else apply for an ETA on my behalf?

A third party such as a parent, guardian or travel agent can complete the ETA application for you, provided they have your passport details and can answer the questions accurately. The ETA will still be issued in your name and linked to your passport.

What happens if my ETA is refused?

If your ETA is refused, you cannot travel to the UK using the ETA route. The fee is not refunded. You may be able to apply again if you can correct an error or provide missing information, or you may need to apply for an appropriate visa, such as a Standard Visitor visa or a transit visa, depending on your plans.

Do children need an ETA?

All travellers who fall within the ETA scheme, including infants and children, need their own ETA unless they are exempt because they are British or Irish citizens, have another form of UK permission or benefit from an exemption such as the Irish resident Common Travel Area concession. An adult can apply on a child’s behalf.

Do dual citizens need an ETA?

Dual British and dual Irish citizens do not apply for an ETA. They are expected to travel to the UK using a British or Irish passport, or a passport with a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode. From 25 February 2026, dual nationals who do not hold one of these documents risk being refused boarding even if their other nationality would normally be able to obtain an ETA.

Section K: Glossary

Section L: Additional Resources