UK ETA 2026: who needs it, cost (£20) and how to apply
6 min · Updated 2026-07
The UK ETA is a £20 authorisation for visa-exempt visitors — US, EU, Canada, Australia, Gulf. Who needs one, how long it lasts, how to apply officially.
If you can already visit Britain without a visa, the UK ETA is the one step you now have to complete before you fly. It’s quick and cheap — but only through the official channel. Here’s what it is and how to get it right.
What the UK ETA is
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel to the UK for short visits, aimed at people who are visa-exempt. It’s the British equivalent of the US ESTA and the EU’s upcoming ETIAS. It is not a visa: if your nationality needs a UK visa, you still apply for that visa — the ETA doesn’t apply to you.
Who needs one
By 2026 the ETA covers around 84 visa-exempt nationalities, including:
- The US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
- All EU / EEA / Swiss nationals
- Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and others), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and several Latin American and Caribbean countries
British and Irish citizens don’t need one — including dual nationals travelling on a British or Irish passport.
Cost and validity
- £20 per person (raised from £16 on 8 April 2026).
- Valid for two years, or until your passport expires.
- Allows multiple trips of up to six months each.
- Everyone needs their own — including babies and children.
How to apply — the official way
Apply through the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK, with your passport, a photo, and a few background questions. Most decisions come back within minutes, though some take longer — so apply at least three working days before you travel.
One warning: many lookalike websites resell the ETA with added “service fees.” They offer nothing extra. The official price is £20, and the only places to apply are the UK ETA app and GOV.UK.
ETA vs ESTA vs ETIAS vs a visa
These constantly get confused:
- UK ETA — for visa-exempt visitors to Britain.
- US ESTA — the American equivalent.
- ETIAS — the EU’s version for visa-exempt visitors to Europe (not yet live — see our ETIAS 2026 guide).
- Visa — what you apply and pay for at a consulate if your nationality is not visa-exempt. If that’s you, our UK visitor visa page estimates your odds.
The bottom line
If you’re visa-exempt: budget £20, apply on the official app a few days ahead, and carry the passport you applied with. That’s the whole job.
Educational summary, current as of July 2026. Fees and rules change — always confirm on GOV.UK before you travel. GetVisaOdds is independent and not affiliated with the UK government.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the UK ETA cost in 2026?
£20 per person, raised from £16 on 8 April 2026. Each traveller needs their own ETA, including children. Only apply through the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK — third-party sites add unnecessary fees.
Who needs a UK ETA?
Visa-exempt visitors — including US, EU/EEA/Swiss, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, Gulf and many other nationals. British and Irish citizens (including dual nationals) do not need one. Anyone who already needs a UK visa applies for the visa, not an ETA.
Is the UK ETA a visa?
No. It's a digital travel authorisation for people who are already visa-exempt — similar to the US ESTA or the EU's upcoming ETIAS. It doesn't guarantee entry; a border officer still decides.
How long is a UK ETA valid?
Two years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Within that period it allows multiple trips of up to six months each. If you get a new passport, you apply for a new ETA.
How long does the UK ETA take to approve?
Most applications are decided within minutes via the app, but some take longer, so the UK advises applying at least three working days before you travel.
This is an educational estimate for planning only — not legal advice and not a guarantee. Only a consular or immigration officer can decide your application.
