UK ETA 2026: Who Needs It, How Much It Costs and Common Mistakes
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now part of the border checks for many visitors. Here is who needs one in 2026, what it costs, how long it lasts, and the mistakes that get travellers turned away.
Before you book that flight to London or Edinburgh, check whether you need a UK ETA. Since 2025, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has become a mandatory pre-travel permission for millions of visitors who previously entered the UK without a visa. In 2026 the rules are fully in force, so travellers who assume they can just show up at the border are being caught out.
This guide is written from the official UK government guidance and is intended to help you work out whether an ETA applies to you, what it costs, how to apply cleanly, and the mistakes that most often lead to a denied flight.
What Is the UK ETA?
What Is the UK ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission you get before travel. It is not a visa. It is a pre-screening step that lets UK border systems check your details before you board, so that many travellers no longer need a visa interview or a physical document in their passport.
The ETA is linked to your passport digitally. You do not receive a stamp or sticker, and there is no physical certificate to print.
Who Needs a UK ETA in 2026?
Who Needs a UK ETA in 2026?
In short: if your nationality does not require a UK visa to visit, and you are not British or Irish, you generally need an ETA to travel to the UK. This now covers both non-European and European nationalities that previously entered without a visa.
- Visitors coming for holidays, family visits or short business trips
- Passengers who are only changing flights in the UK (transit), in most cases
- People arriving by sea, by air, or crossing the land border from Ireland in most circumstances
- Anyone whose nationality is on the UK visa-exempt list but who does not already hold a valid UK visa or immigration status
Who Is Exempt From the UK ETA?
Who Does NOT Need a UK ETA?
- British and Irish citizens
- Travellers holding a valid UK visa (for the purpose of their trip)
- People with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Holders of a valid British National Overseas (BNO) passport who hold a BNO visa
- Those with permission to enter the UK under dedicated schemes such as the UK Frontier Worker permit
If you are unsure which category you fall into, the official UK government eligibility checker is the reliable place to confirm before you travel.
How Much Does a UK ETA Cost?
How Much Does a UK ETA Cost?
The standard application fee for a UK ETA is now £16 per person. The fee applies to every traveller who needs an ETA, including infants and children, so a family of four must pay four times.
Always check the official government price before applying. Use only the official UK government ETA app or website, and never pay third-party sites that add large markups for the same service.
How Long Is a UK ETA Valid?
How Long Is a UK ETA Valid?
A UK ETA is valid for two years from the date it is approved, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. Within that period you can make multiple trips to the UK, and each visit can last up to six months in most cases.
Get a new passport and your existing ETA is no longer valid for that passport. You will need a fresh ETA linked to the new document.
How to Apply For a UK ETA Step by Step
How to Apply For a UK ETA, Step by Step
- Use the official UK ETA app or the official government website, not a third-party agent.
- Enter your personal details, passport details and contact information.
- Answer the standard questions, including any required declarations.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit and wait. Most applications are decided quickly, but allow enough time before your flight.
- When approved, the ETA is linked digitally to your passport, ready for boarding checks.
Carriers are legally required to check that you hold a valid permission to enter the UK before you board. Even with an approved ETA, final entry is always at the discretion of a Border Force officer on arrival.
Documents You Need
Documents You Need For a UK ETA
- A valid passport or travel document from an ETA-eligible country
- Your passport must be valid for your whole stay
- A working email address where the decision is sent
- A debit or credit card to pay the application fee
Common UK ETA Mistakes to Avoid
Common UK ETA Mistakes
- Applying at the airport or the night before — always apply well ahead of departure
- Using unofficial websites that overcharge or collect your data
- Leaving a mistake in your passport number spelling that does not match the application
- Assuming your ETA transfers to a new or renewed passport
- Assuming children are exempt from the fee and the application
- Assuming an ETA guarantees entry — it is a travel authorisation, not a visa or admission
Can You Board Without a UK ETA?
Can You Board Without a UK ETA?
Generally, no. Airlines and other carriers must confirm you hold valid permission to enter the UK before you board. Without an ETA where one is required, you can be refused boarding and miss both the cost of the flight and your plans.
If your ETA is refused or not yet approved, speak to the carrier and the UK border authorities directly rather than trusting unofficial advice.
UK ETA vs a UK Visa
UK ETA vs a UK Visa: What Is the Difference?
- An ETA is for visa-exempt short visits, is quick, and is fully digital
- A visa is for specific purposes such as work, study or longer stays, and requires a formal application
- You cannot use an ETA for activities that need a visa, such as paid employment without permission
UK ETA Frequently Asked Questions
UK ETA Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the questions travellers ask most often, with short, reliable answers based on the official guidance.
Official Resources and Where to Check
Official Resources
Bookmark these official pages and always confirm your own situation against current government guidance, because rules, fees and eligibility can change.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a UK ETA cost?
The application fee is £16 per person, including for children. Always apply through the official UK government ETA app or website and ignore third-party sites that charge more.
Who needs a UK ETA in 2026?
Most travellers whose nationality does not require a UK visa and who are not British or Irish need an ETA, including European and non-European visa-exempt visitors, and often transit passengers.
How long is a UK ETA valid?
An ETA is valid for two years from approval or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple visits of up to six months each.
Do children need a UK ETA?
Yes. Where a child's nationality requires an ETA, the fee and application apply to them as well, and the child must have their own valid passport.
Can I be refused boarding without a UK ETA?
Yes. Airlines are required to check that you hold valid permission to enter the UK before boarding, so without an ETA where one is needed you may be refused boarding.
Is a UK ETA the same as a visa?
No. An ETA is a digital travel authorisation for short visa-exempt visits. A visa is a separate, more formal permission used for purposes such as work, study or longer stays.