ETA Visa Waiver for the UK: Everything You Need to Know

The Electronic Travel Authorisation or ETA is a pre-clearance for travel similar to the ESTA in the United States and the upcoming ETIAS in the EU. It is not a visa and does not replace the need for a visa for anyone who previously required one, nor does it guarantee entry to the UK (you will still need to pass through passport control and border security).

However, any non-UK/Ireland citizen visiting the UK who does not require a visa for travel must now apply for an ETA prior to travel.

Essentially, all non-UK, Republic of Ireland, or British Overseas Territories citizens travelling to the UK without a visa will require an ETA in 2025. However, the requirements for different nationalities have been introduced in two stages.

Since January 8, 2025, all US and non-EU/EEA citizens have been required to obtain an ETA prior to travel.

From April 2, 2025, this requirement will be extended to all EU and EEA citizens. Applications will be open as of March 5, 2025, so anyone planning to travel from April onwards can obtain their ETA in advance.

ETA exemptions

If you are a citizen of the UK, Ireland, or British overseas territories travelling on your respective passport, then you do not need an ETA to visit the UK. Similarly, anyone with a valid UK visa or UK residency status (including settled, pre-settled or right of abode status) does not need an ETA.

There are also exemptions for anyone transiting through a UK airport, providing that you don’t pass through border control (make sure to check with your airline if you’re unsure), and Irish residents travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man

Are there exemptions from the ETA for UK spouses or family?

No, there are no exemptions for family members or spouses unless they have UK or Irish citizenship in their own right. Children or family members with dual nationality may travel without an ETA providing that they travel using their UK or Irish passport. Note that families or groups travelling together must still apply for an ETA individually.

Do children need a UK ETA?

Yes, every individual requires an ETA, including children and babies, and parents can apply on behalf of their children. There is a special exemption for students under 18 who are visiting the UK on a school trip – however, they must have a valid ID, a copy of their parents’ ID, and an exit permit (for example, this one for French students).

You can apply for the ETA online via the UK’s government website here or via the corresponding app (reviews of the app seem to indicate some teething problems, so we recommend sticking to the website for now!). Make sure not to apply through unofficial websites, as you will, at best, be overcharged or, at worst, not receive the correct documentation.

To apply, you will need:

• Your passport
• Access to an email address
• A credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express), Apple Pay, or Google Pay
• A photo of your passport

You don’t need to give details of your travel plans to make the application.

When should I apply?

You must apply for an ETA before arriving in the UK. The process is designed to be straightforward and should take a maximum of three days. However, it’s recommended to apply a month in advance of the date of travel to account for any delays and to allow time to reapply in the case of an error or rejection.

How long is the UK ETA valid?

The ETA is valid for a period of two years from the first date of entering the UK. You may visit the UK as many times as you like during the two-year period; however, you cannot stay in the UK for longer than six months.

Note that the ETA corresponds to the passport rather than the person, so if you change your passport or travel using a different passport, you will need to reapply. 

How much does a UK ETA cost?

An ETA costs £10 (about €12) per person. 

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