The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is now fully operational, with strict enforcement beginning 25 February 2026. This comprehensive guide explains what a UK ETA is, who needs one, how to apply, the £16 fee, eligibility for all 85 visa-exempt countries, and what the "no permission, no travel" policy means for millions of international visitors.
- What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
- Who Needs a UK ETA?
- UK ETA Application Process and Cost
- UK ETA Requirements and Suitability Questions
- February 2026 Enforcement: No Permission, No Travel
- UK ETA for EU Citizens
- UK ETA Exemptions
- UK ETA Statistics and Approval Rates
- UK ETA Questions and Answers
What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
A UK ETA is a digital travel permission required for visitors from 85 visa-exempt countries. It costs £16, is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows unlimited visits of up to 6 months each for tourism, business, study, or transit. An ETA is linked to your passport and must be obtained before travel.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme represents a fundamental shift in how UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) manages visitors who do not need a visa. Since its launch in October 2023, over 19.7 million ETAs have been granted, making it one of the largest digital border initiatives worldwide. The scheme aligns the UK with similar systems in the United States (ESTA) and Canada (eTA).
From 25 February 2026, the UK implements strict "no permission, no travel" enforcement. Airlines, ferry operators, and Eurostar will verify that all passengers have valid permission — either an ETA, eVisa, or UK immigration status — before allowing them to board. Travellers without valid permission will be denied boarding, regardless of their nationality's visa-exempt status.
What Does a UK ETA Allow You to Do?
An ETA permits the same activities as a Standard Visitor visa for stays up to 6 months:
- Tourism: Sightseeing, visiting attractions, and holidays across the UK
- Family visits: Visiting relatives and friends residing in the UK
- Business activities: Meetings, conferences, negotiations, and site visits (no employment)
- Short-term study: Courses up to 6 months at accredited institutions
- Transit: Passing through UK passport control to another destination
- Medical treatment: Private medical treatment for up to 6 months
- Creative and sporting events: Performances, exhibitions, and permitted activities
An ETA is a pre-travel authorisation that confirms you can travel to the UK — it is not a visa and does not guarantee entry. Border Force officers make the final entry decision at the UK border. Unlike visas, ETAs require no supporting documents, interviews, or biometric appointments.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
Nationals from 85 visa-exempt countries need a UK ETA, including citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Gulf Cooperation Council states. British and Irish citizens are exempt, as are those with valid UK visas, residence permits, or frontier worker permits.
The ETA requirement applies to all nationals who previously could visit the UK without a visa. The scheme rolled out in phases: Gulf Cooperation Council nationals from February 2024, other non-European nationals from January 2025, and European nationals from April 2025. From 25 February 2026, enforcement becomes mandatory for all 85 eligible nationalities.
Countries That Require a UK ETA
| Region | Countries | ETA Required From |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf States (GCC) | Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE | February 2024 |
| Americas | USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, and others | January 2025 |
| Asia-Pacific | Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand | January 2025 |
| European Union | All 27 EU member states including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland | April 2025 |
| Other European | Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, Vatican | April 2025 |
For the complete list of ETA-eligible nationalities, check the official Home Office ETA guidance. Note that some countries like China and India are not ETA-eligible and require a Standard Visitor visa instead.
On 10 September 2024, Jordan was removed from the ETA scheme due to "abuse and violations." Jordanian nationals must now apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead. This change was implemented without advance notice, demonstrating that the Home Office can modify the ETA-eligible country list at any time.
UK ETA Application Process and Cost
Apply for a UK ETA using the official UK ETA app (iOS/Android) or at gov.uk/eta. You need a valid passport, digital photo, £16 payment, and answers to suitability questions. Most applications are approved automatically within minutes.
The UK ETA application process is designed to be quick and straightforward. Unlike a UK visa application, there is no need to visit an application centre or provide supporting documents. The entire process can be completed online or through the official smartphone app.
Step-by-Step ETA Application Process
- Step 1: Download the UK ETA app or visit gov.uk/eta
- Step 2: Scan your passport using your phone's camera or enter details manually
- Step 3: Take or upload a digital passport-style photo
- Step 4: Answer suitability and criminality questions
- Step 5: Provide your contact details and travel information
- Step 6: Pay the £16 non-refundable fee
- Step 7: Receive confirmation email with your ETA status
UK ETA Cost
The UK ETA costs £16 per person. This fee increased from the original £10 on 9 April 2025. The fee is non-refundable, even if your ETA application is refused or you do not travel. Each traveller, including children, requires their own ETA with individual payment. For more information on UK immigration costs, see our comprehensive UK visa fees guide.
ETA vs Standard Visitor Visa: Cost Comparison
| Feature | UK ETA | Standard Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £16 | £127 – £1,102 |
| Validity | 2 years or passport expiry | 6 months to 10 years |
| Processing Time | Minutes to 3 working days | 3–6 weeks |
| Documents Required | Passport and photo only | Extensive supporting documents |
| Biometrics | Not required | Required at visa centre |
| Available To | 85 visa-exempt nationalities | All nationalities |
UK ETA Requirements and Suitability Questions
UK ETA requirements include holding a valid passport from an eligible country, no unspent criminal convictions for certain offences, no previous immigration violations, and no current UK visa refusal or ban. The application asks questions about criminality, terrorism, and character.
While the ETA application is simpler than a visa, you must still meet eligibility requirements. The Home Office uses the information you provide to conduct security checks against immigration and police databases. Providing false information can result in ETA refusal and potential deception bans.
What Questions Are Asked on the UK ETA Application?
The ETA application includes questions about your suitability to enter the UK:
- Criminal history: Have you been convicted of a criminal offence in any country?
- Terrorism: Have you ever been involved in, supported, or encouraged terrorist activities?
- Immigration history: Have you ever been refused a visa or entry to any country, or been deported?
- War crimes: Have you ever been involved in war crimes, genocide, or crimes against humanity?
- Employment status: Do you currently have a job or are you a student?
- Contact details: Email address and phone number for correspondence
Most ETA applications receive an automatic decision within minutes. However, some applications require manual review and can take up to 3 working days. In rare cases involving complex circumstances, processing may take longer. The Home Office recommends applying at least 3 working days before travel.
Can a UK ETA Be Refused?
Yes, ETA applications can be refused under the general grounds for refusal if you:
- Have serious criminal convictions that make your presence undesirable
- Pose a threat to national security or public order
- Have previous immigration breaches such as overstaying or illegal entry
- Are subject to a deportation order or exclusion from the UK
- Previously used deception in an immigration application
If your ETA is refused, you may be able to apply for a Standard Visitor visa with supporting evidence addressing the refusal reasons. The overall ETA approval rate is 99.6%, but certain nationalities face higher refusal rates — Romania (0.68%) and Bulgaria (0.33%) have the highest refusal rates among ETA-eligible countries. See our guide on your chances of getting a visa after refusal for detailed guidance.
February 2026 Enforcement: No Permission, No Travel
From 25 February 2026, airlines and carriers must verify that all passengers have valid permission (ETA, eVisa, or UK status) before boarding. Travellers without valid permission will be denied boarding. This applies to all modes of transport including flights, ferries, and Eurostar.
The UK government has implemented a strict "no permission, no travel" policy beginning 25 February 2026. This represents the transition from a soft introduction period to full enforcement of the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme. Carriers will face penalties for transporting passengers without valid permission.
What Happens If You Travel Without a UK ETA?
- Denied boarding: Airlines and carriers will not allow you to board without valid permission
- No refunds: You will not be entitled to flight or travel refunds due to denied boarding
- Cannot legally travel: Arriving in the UK without permission is a criminal offence
- Border removal: If you reach the UK without permission, you face removal and a potential re-entry ban
Dual British citizens who do not have a valid British passport must carry a Certificate of Entitlement to prove their British nationality. From 25 February 2026, dual British citizens without a valid UK passport or certificate will require additional identity checks and may face boarding delays. The Home Office strongly advises renewing British passports before travel.
UK ETA for EU Citizens
EU citizens need a UK ETA from 2 April 2025. All 27 EU member states are included, plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. EU citizens with UK Settled Status, Pre-Settled Status, or valid UK visas do not need an ETA.
The ETA requirement for European nationals marked a significant post-Brexit change. While EU citizens previously enjoyed free movement to the UK, they now require either an ETA for short visits or a visa for longer stays, work, or study. Those who secured EU Settlement Scheme status remain exempt.
EU Countries Requiring a UK ETA
All 27 EU member states require an ETA: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland (exempt), Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Additional European countries requiring an ETA include: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, and Andorra.
Irish citizens do not need an ETA or visa to visit or live in the UK under the Common Travel Area agreement. This applies to all Irish passport holders, regardless of where they live.
Top EU Nationalities by ETA Applications
| Country | ETA Applications | Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1,969,072 | 99.97% |
| France | 1,427,384 | 99.64% |
| Italy | 1,116,933 | 99.67% |
| Spain | 941,568 | 99.72% |
| Netherlands | 842,996 | 99.78% |
| Poland | 616,511 | 99.88% |
| Belgium | 373,896 | 99.78% |
| Sweden | 344,972 | 99.84% |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025 (ETA data cumulative from October 2023)
UK ETA Exemptions: Who Does Not Need an ETA?
You do not need a UK ETA if you are: a British or Irish citizen (including dual citizens), hold a valid UK visa, have UK Settled or Pre-Settled Status, hold a Frontier Worker permit, or are transiting airside at Heathrow or Manchester without passing through UK border control.
Complete List of ETA Exemptions
- British citizens: Including dual nationals with valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement
- Irish citizens: All Irish passport holders under the Common Travel Area
- Valid UK visa holders: Including visitor visas, work visas, and student visas
- EU Settlement Scheme: Those with Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status
- Frontier Worker permit: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens working in the UK
- S2 Healthcare Visitor: Travelling for NHS-funded medical treatment
- Service personnel: NATO and visiting forces, diplomatic staff
- Operating crew: Aircraft crew operating into and out of the UK within 7 days
- Airside transit: Passengers not passing UK border control at Heathrow or Manchester (temporary exemption)
Quick Checklist: Do I Need a UK ETA?
- Are you a British or Irish citizen? → No ETA needed
- Do you have a valid UK visa or immigration status? → No ETA needed
- Are you from one of the 85 visa-exempt countries? → ETA required
- Are you transiting airside at Heathrow/Manchester only? → No ETA needed (temporary)
- Will you pass through UK border control? → ETA required
UK ETA Statistics and Approval Rates
According to Home Office Immigration System Statistics (year ending September 2025), the UK ETA scheme has processed 19,719,718 applications since its launch in October 2023, with a 99.6% overall approval rate. The scheme has become one of the world's largest digital border programmes, generating substantial revenue while processing applications at unprecedented speed.
Top 10 ETA Countries by Application Volume
| Rank | Country | Applications | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 4,669,937 | 23.7% |
| 2 | Germany | 1,969,072 | 10.0% |
| 3 | France | 1,427,384 | 7.2% |
| 4 | Italy | 1,116,933 | 5.7% |
| 5 | Spain | 941,568 | 4.8% |
| 6 | Netherlands | 842,996 | 4.3% |
| 7 | Canada | 788,574 | 4.0% |
| 8 | Australia | 628,598 | 3.2% |
| 9 | Poland | 616,511 | 3.1% |
| 10 | Saudi Arabia | 486,667 | 2.5% |
The United States alone accounts for nearly a quarter of all ETA applications, reflecting the massive UK-US travel corridor. European nationals collectively represent over 52% of all ETAs, driven by the April 2025 requirement for EU citizens. The top 10 countries account for 78.5% of all applications processed.
At £16 per application, the 19.7 million ETAs issued have generated approximately £315 million in revenue for the Home Office since the scheme's launch. With the fee increase from £10 to £16 in April 2025, annual ETA revenue is projected to grow significantly as enforcement drives full compliance from February 2026.
ETA Approval Rates by Region
| Region | Applications | Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|
| EU 14 (Western Europe) | 7,925,527 | 99.68% |
| North America | 5,458,511 | 99.53% |
| Middle East | 1,314,105 | 99.22% |
| EU 8 (Central/Eastern Europe) | 1,274,008 | 99.68% |
| Central and South America | 899,076 | 99.63% |
| Oceania | 751,930 | 99.76% |
| Other European | 680,393 | 99.68% |
| East Asia | 666,118 | 99.74% |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025 (ETA data cumulative from October 2023)
- The UK ETA costs £16 and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires
- 85 visa-exempt countries now require an ETA, including all EU member states
- Full enforcement begins 25 February 2026 — carriers will check for valid permission before boarding
- Apply through the UK ETA app or gov.uk/eta — most decisions are automatic within minutes
- Over 19.7 million ETAs have been issued since October 2023, with a 99.6% approval rate
- British and Irish citizens, and those with valid UK visas or status, are exempt
- Children require their own individual ETA — there is no family or group application
UK ETA Questions and Answers
ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation. A UK ETA is a digital permission required for nationals from 85 visa-exempt countries to travel to the United Kingdom. It is linked to your passport and allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each for tourism, business, family visits, study, or transit. The ETA costs £16, is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and must be obtained before travel. An ETA is not a visa — it is a travel authorisation that confirms you can board transport to the UK.
The UK ETA costs £16 per person (approximately $22 USD or €19 EUR). This fee increased from the original £10 on 9 April 2025. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused or you decide not to travel. Each traveller, including children and infants, requires their own ETA with individual payment. There is no family or group discount available.
Yes, all EU citizens need a UK ETA from 2 April 2025. This includes nationals from all 27 EU member states as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The only exception is Irish citizens, who are exempt under the Common Travel Area agreement. EU citizens who hold UK Settled Status, Pre-Settled Status, or a valid UK visa do not need an ETA. Since October 2023, over 9.7 million European nationals have obtained UK ETAs.
Most UK ETA applications receive an automatic decision within minutes. However, some applications require additional review and can take up to 3 working days. In rare cases involving complex circumstances such as previous criminal convictions or immigration violations, processing may take longer. The Home Office recommends applying at least 3 working days before travel to allow time for any potential delays.
From 25 February 2026, the UK implements strict "no permission, no travel" enforcement. Airlines, ferries, and train operators (including Eurostar) must verify all passengers have valid permission — either an ETA, eVisa, or UK immigration status — before allowing boarding. Travellers without valid permission will be denied boarding regardless of their nationality's visa-exempt status. This marks the end of the transition period during which carriers were not required to check for ETAs.
If you pass through UK passport control during your transit, you need a UK ETA. If you remain airside (in the international transit area) at London Heathrow or Manchester airports without passing through border control, you currently do not need an ETA. This airside transit exemption is temporary and may change. Eurostar passengers always need an ETA as they pass through UK border control at departure stations.
Yes, every traveller needs their own individual UK ETA, including children and infants. There is no family or group application — each person must have a separate ETA linked to their own passport. The same £16 fee applies per person regardless of age. Parents or guardians can complete the application on behalf of children using the UK ETA app or the gov.uk/eta website.
A UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make unlimited visits to the UK, with each visit lasting up to 6 months. If your passport expires before the 2-year validity, you will need to apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport. There is no option to transfer an ETA between passports.
Yes, ETA applications can be refused if you have serious criminal convictions, pose a security threat, have previous immigration violations, are subject to a deportation order, or have used deception in previous applications. The overall UK ETA approval rate is 99.6%, so refusals are rare. If your ETA is refused, you may still be able to apply for a Standard Visitor visa with supporting documents explaining your circumstances. The £16 fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
No, if you hold UK Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need a UK ETA. Your immigration status already provides permission to enter the UK. Similarly, holders of valid UK visas, Frontier Worker permits, and those with indefinite leave to remain are exempt from the ETA requirement. You should carry proof of your status when travelling to avoid any boarding issues after enforcement begins on 25 February 2026.
For official information about the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme, visit the GOV.UK ETA page or the Home Office ETA factsheet.