Guidance

Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK.

From:
UK Visas and Immigration
Published
25 October 2023
Last updated
27 November 2024 — See all updates

An ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK.

Who can apply

Whether you can apply depends on:

  • the date you travel
  • your nationality as shown on your passport

Check if you can apply for an ETA.

Who does not need an ETA

You do not need an ETA if any of these apply to you:

Dual citizens

If you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. Prove your permission to travel using your British passport, Irish passport or other passport containing a certificate of entitlement.

What you can do with an ETA

You can get an ETA instead of a visa if you are:

If you are coming to the UK for another reason, check if you need a visa instead.

What you cannot do with an ETA

You cannot:

  • stay in the UK for longer than 6 months
  • do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you are doing a permitted paid engagement or event or work on the Creative Worker visa concession
  • claim public funds (benefits)
  • live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
  • marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership - you will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa

How much it costs

It costs £10 to apply. Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for other people.

You cannot get a refund after you apply.

Before you start

You need:

  • the passport you will travel with - not a photocopy or digital passport
  • access to your emails
  • a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

You will need to upload or take photos of the:

  • passport
  • face of the person applying

You do not need to enter your travel details.

Apply for an ETA

The fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA app.

Download on the App Store

Download on Google Play

Help with the app

You can read the guide on using the UK ETA app.

If you cannot use the app

You can apply online.

If you are applying for someone else who is not with you, you should apply online.

How long it takes

You will usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision.

Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 working days.

Group applications

Each person must apply separately.

You may get a decision at a different time from others in your group, even if you applied at the same time.

If you need to travel soon

You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.

After you apply

You will get an email confirming you have got an ETA. It will be linked to the passport you applied with.

Your ETA lasts for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time.

If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.

Entering the UK

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You still need to either:

  • see a Border Force officer
  • use an ePassport gate, if you are eligible

Read more about border control.

Get help

You can ask about ETA if you need help.

You can also watch videos on:

Updates to this page

Published 25 October 2023
Last updated 27 November 2024 + show all updates

  1. Updated as more nationalities can now apply for an ETA.

  2. 'Who does not need an ETA': edited to clarify that you do not need an ETA if you are a British citizen, or you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship.

  3. Added a list of nationalities that can apply for an ETA later. Jordanian nationals can no longer apply for an ETA.

  4. Added a section on what you cannot do with an ETA.

  5. British overseas territories passport holders do not need an ETA.

  6. First published.

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Contents

Part of Visit the UK for a holiday or to see family or friends

  1. Step 1 Check if you’re eligible

    1. Find out what you can do when you visit the UK

    You must meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements even if you do not need a visa.

  2. Step 2 Check if you need a visa

    Depending on the country you're from, you might be able to visit the UK without a visa or by applying for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

    1. Check if you need a visa or an ETA to come to the UK

  3. Step 3 Apply for a visa

    1. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa

    A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 and allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

    There's a different way to apply if:

  4. or Apply for an electronic travel authorisation

    1. You are currently viewing: Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

    An ETA costs £10 and allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

  5. or Apply for a family permit

    You may be able to visit on a family permit if you have a family member who is:

    • a citizen of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
    • a Person of Northern Ireland
    • a British citizen
    1. Check if you can apply for a family permit

  6. Step 4 Check what you can bring with you

    1. Check what you can bring with you
    2. Check what food, animals or plants you can bring into the UK

  7. Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border

    1. Check what you need to show at the UK border

Also part of