The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is now a key pre-travel check for many business visitors, tourists and short-term travellers who do not need a visa for the UK.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-16.
TL;DR
A UK ETA is digital permission to travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for eligible non-visa nationals. It costs £20, usually allows visits of up to 6 months, and GOV.UK says decisions are usually made within a day but applicants should allow up to 3 working days.
£20
ETA application fee
2 years
ETA validity
3 working days
Allow for a decision
What is a UK ETA?
A UK ETA is not a visa. It is an electronic travel authorisation for eligible travellers who do not need a visitor visa but still need permission before travelling to the UK.
For employers, conference organisers and global-mobility teams, ETA checks are important for business visitors attending meetings, events, training or short UK trips. A traveller who needs an ETA should obtain it before they travel, and each person travelling needs their own ETA, including children.
An ETA can be used for tourism, visiting family, business trips, short-term study and some other limited activities. It does not guarantee entry at the border and does not allow long-term residence, ordinary UK employment or repeated visits that amount to living in the UK.
UK ETA Requirements
Who needs an ETA, what it allows and when a visitor needs a visa instead.
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Eligible Nationality
Most visitors need either an ETA or a visa. GOV.UK says travellers usually need an ETA rather than a visa if they are from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries.
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Short Visit Purpose
The ETA is for short visits, including tourism, family visits, business trips, short-term study and certain permitted paid engagements. The visitor must still comply with the visitor rules at the UK border.
£
Passport and Digital Application
Applicants need the passport they will travel with, an email address and a payment method. The ETA is linked to the passport used in the application.
What You Can and Cannot Do
What you can and cannot do with a UK ETA
✓ You Can
- Visit for up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, business trips or short-term study.
- Apply through the UK ETA app or online using passport and photo details.
- Travel multiple times while the ETA remains valid.
- Use the ETA for 2 years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Apply for someone else if you have the required passport and face image.
✗ You Cannot
- Stay longer than 6 months on a single visit.
- Work for a UK company or as a self-employed person unless a specific visitor exception applies.
- Claim public funds while in the UK as a visitor.
- Live in the UK through frequent visits because an ETA is for temporary visits only.
- Use an ETA for settlement because it does not lead to indefinite leave to remain.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| ETA application | £20 |
| Faster decision | Not available |
| New passport | New ETA needed |
| Children | £20 each |
| Refund after applying | No refund |
How to Apply for a UK ETA
A quick application process for non-visa nationals travelling to the UK.
Check Whether You Need an ETA
Confirm the traveller’s nationality, purpose of travel and whether a visa is required instead.
Prepare the Passport and Photo
Use the passport the person will travel with and prepare a compliant face image.
Complete the ETA Form
Apply through the UK ETA app or online and pay the £20 fee.
Wait Before Travelling
GOV.UK says the ETA must be granted before travel to the UK.
Receive Your Decision
Decisions are usually emailed within 1 day, but GOV.UK says to allow up to 3 working days.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UK ETAs, fees, timing and travel.
What is the UK ETA?
A UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation for eligible non-visa nationals travelling to the UK. It lets the person travel to the UK for permitted short visit purposes, but it is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.
How much is a UK ETA in 2026?
A UK ETA costs £20. GOV.UK says the fee is paid online or through the UK ETA app and is not refunded after applying.
Who needs a UK ETA?
Most visitors need either an ETA or a visa. GOV.UK says travellers usually need an ETA rather than a visa if they are from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries, unless they are exempt.
How long does a UK ETA last?
A UK ETA lasts for 2 years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. It can be used for multiple trips during that period.
How long can I stay in the UK with an ETA?
An ETA can normally be used for visits of up to 6 months. It does not allow the person to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
How long does a UK ETA decision take?
GOV.UK says a decision is usually received within a day. Applicants should allow up to 3 working days and must wait for the approval email before travelling.
Can I work in the UK with an ETA?
An ETA does not allow paid or unpaid work for a UK company or self-employment, except where a specific visitor exception applies. Business meetings and other permitted visitor activities may be allowed.
Do children need a UK ETA?
Yes. GOV.UK says each person travelling needs an ETA, including babies and children.
Can I marry in the UK with an ETA?
No, GOV.UK says an ETA cannot be used to marry, register a civil partnership or give notice. A Marriage Visitor visa may be required instead.
What happens if my ETA is refused?
The traveller may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa or another suitable visa before travel. The correct next step depends on the refusal reason and the purpose of the visit.
Need Help Checking Whether You Need an ETA?
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.