Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

By April 2025 all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to or transit through the UK.

An ETA is digital permission to travel to the UK and has been introduced as part of the Government’s transformation and digitisation of the UK border. An ETA costs £16, permits multiple journeys and is valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever date is sooner. The ETA grants travel to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study, and for transiting through the UK.

British and Irish citizens do not require an ETA. See the full list of countries who will need to apply for an ETA(opens in a new tab) on GOV.UK.

Visitors can apply in advance. All visitors to the UK will require an ETA according to the following timeline:

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visitors need an ETA to travel to and transit through the UK.
• Eligible non-Europeans need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025.
• Eligible Europeans can apply from 5 March 2024 and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

Applications must be made individually and can be made via mobile app or online at GOV.UK. Decisions are typically returned within three working days. Find more information about ETA requirements and how to apply.(opens in a new tab)