Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK.
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:
- you have a visa
- you have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
- you are a British or Irish citizen
- you are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
- you live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
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:
- coming to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
- coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
- transiting through the UK – including if you are not going through UK border control
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.
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
Last updated 27 November 2024 + show all updates
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Updated as more nationalities can now apply for an ETA.
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'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.
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Added a list of nationalities that can apply for an ETA later. Jordanian nationals can no longer apply for an ETA.
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Added a section on what you cannot do with an ETA.
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British overseas territories passport holders do not need an ETA.
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First published.