Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK
When you do not need an ETA
You do not need an ETA to travel to the UK if:
- you’re a British or Irish citizen
- you have a UK visa
- you have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
- you’re transiting through a UK airport and you will not pass through border control - check with your airline if you are not sure
- you’re travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
- you’re travelling with a British National (Overseas) passport
- you live in Ireland and you’re travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
- you’re a child travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form
- you’re exempt from immigration control or do not need to get permission to enter
- you’re waiting for a decision on your EU Settlement Scheme application
Dual citizens
If you’re a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you cannot get an ETA. When you travel to the UK you can prove your citizenship using:
- a valid British passport
- a valid Irish passport
- another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement
You may be able to travel to the UK using another type of permission, for example if you settled in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. Find out more about travelling to the UK as a dual citizen.
You may have British citizenship automatically if you either:
- were born in the UK
- have a parent with British citizenship
Check if you have British citizenship.
You can chat to UKVI using webchat if you’re a dual citizen and need help.
If you live in Ireland
You do not need an ETA if you’re both:
- from a country that would normally need an ETA to travel to the UK
- entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
If you’re from a country that needs a visa, you’ll need to apply for a visa before travelling to the UK.
Check if you need a UK visa or ETA.
What documents you’ll need to bring
If you’re 16 or older, you’ll need to bring one of the following:
- Irish driving licence
- Irish learner permit
- medical card
- GP visit card
- European Health Insurance Card
- Irish Residence Permit
- Permanent Residence Certificate
- National Age Card
- diplomatic identity card
The document must be:
- an original
- issued by the Irish government
- valid at the time you travel
If you’re under 16, you do not need to bring proof you live in Ireland.