From 25 February 2026, visitors to the UK from 85 nationalities including the USA, Australia and the EU will need to have applied for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The online permit, similar to the US ESTA, is now mandatory to travel to the UK for those who don’t otherwise require entry clearance as a visitor (see the visa national list for nationalities who are required to apply for a visit visa and not an ETA).
What is the ETA?
The ETA is advanced travel permission, which is now required for all non-visa nationals when travelling to the UK, either as a Visitor or a Creative Worker.
Every non-visa traveller, regardless of age, is required to obtain their own ETA before making their trip to the UK. This does not apply to British or Irish nationals, or EU nationals with Pre Settled or Settled Status in the UK.
Key features of the UK’s ETA
- Cost £16.
- Allows multiple visits to Britain for up to six months.
- Valid for two years, or until your passport expires (whichever is first).
- Once approved, the ETA is digitally linked to the passport used in the application.
How to apply for the UK’s ETA
Applicants are encouraged to apply for the ETA through the UK ETA app. Those unable to can also fill out an online form which you can find here. (You can also check your ETA online from this link.)
Applying involves simple questions such as name, date of birth, nationality, previous immigration history and criminal convictions. You will need to provide biometric information, have a valid passport (biometric chipped or not) and answer a short set of questions to assess your suitability for travel to the UK.
How long does an ETA take to process?
Most applicants currently get an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app. You should usually receive a decision by email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) within a day. The email will contain your 16-digit ETA reference number. If you have not received a decision after three working days, UKVI recommend checking your spam or junk email folder before contacting them.
It is recommended to apply for an ETA at the very least three working days in advance of travel, though preferably more, as occasionally applications may need further review or are refused, which may then entail applying for a visitor visa.
