Planning a trip to the UK soon? You might need a visa waiver to enter. As of January 8, 2025, visa-exempt travelers carrying a passport from the U.S., Canada, Australia, or one of the nearly 50 other countries on this list must meet the UK’s new entry requirement.
What is the requirement and how do you apply? Here’s what you need to know about their new electronic travel authorization (ETA), how to apply for it, plus how to stay up to date on changes or other international travel requirements.
What is the UK’s electronic travel authorization (ETA)?
The UK’s ETA is a digital travel authorization that gives you permission to travel to the UK. As of January 8, 2025, all visa-exempt travelers (of all ages) who want to visit the UK are required to have one for their trip. This applies to all parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland and British Overseas Territories.
The ETA allows you to travel to the UK to visit for up to six months for tourism, business, and transit purposes. It is being introduced gradually, and will apply to more nationalities over time.
The ETA costs £20. It’s valid for two years or the remaining period of validity on your passport—whichever is shorter.
Who does—and doesn’t—need an ETA to visit the UK?
Travelers who are visa-exempt must apply for an ETA in order to visit the UK. However, whether you can apply depends on the date you travel as well as your nationality as shown on your passport.
You can visit this official UK government site to determine if you can apply for an ETA.
You do not need to apply for an ETA if you already have a UK visa, an exempt vignette, or a British or Irish passport. In addition, nationalities that require a visa to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA.
How do I apply for a UK ETA?
Travelers can apply for their ETA via the UK ETA app or the official UK government ETA site.
According to the official government site, the easiest and fastest way to apply for the ETA is in the app. Most travelers can complete their application in 10 minutes (or less).
To submit your application in the app, you’ll need to:
- Scan your passport.
- Scan your face.
- Take a photo of yourself.
- Complete the forms.
- Then pay the fee using a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Processing may take up to three working days, so travelers should plan ahead to ensure they receive their ETA ahead of their trip.
How can I find out about other travel requirements?
To stay up to date on ever-changing international travel regulations, you can consult TripIt Pro Travel Guidance.
You can find this information one of two ways. If you haven’t yet booked a trip, you can look up guidance from the Pro tab under the section, Travel Guidance. Here, you can enter your intended destination country and travel dates. Travel Guidance factors in your nationality, passport information, origin, and travel dates. Origination country and nationality are prefilled based on your profile, but can be edited.
Read more: Know Before You Go With TripIt Pro Travel Guidance
Or, once you book a trip, you’ll be able to easily see your destination’s current requirements for visas, documentation, health insurance, and vaccination, plus whether the country is open for travel—right in your trip itinerary.
To locate the feature, go to an itinerary for an international trip in the TripIt app. For iOS, tap the three dots in the top right-hand corner to open the menu and select Travel Guidance. For Android, tap the guidebook icon above the button with the plus sign.
Frequently asked questions about the UK ETA
Q: What can I do once my UK ETA is approved?
A: Your ETA allows you to travel to the UK for six months for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, short-term study (courses up to six months), and a paid permitted engagement (you must do the engagement in the first 30 days of your visit). You can also transit through the UK or go to the UK for up to three months as a creative worker. To go to the UK for any other reason, you will need to apply for a visa.
Q: How long is my UK ETA valid for?
A: Your UK ETA is valid for two years from the date it is approved. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want until your ETA expires.
Q: What documents do I need to travel to the UK once my ETA is approved?
A: You do not need to print or show your UK ETA confirmation email. However, you must travel with the passport you used to apply for your ETA. If you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA to come to the UK.
Q: Who needs a UK ETA?
A: Most travelers who do not need a visa to visit the UK need an ETA before they travel. This includes travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European countries. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA, nor do travelers who already have a UK visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK. Each traveler needs their own ETA, including babies and children.
Q: How much does a UK ETA cost?
A: A UK ETA costs £20 per person. The fee is nonrefundable after you apply. Be sure to apply through the official UK ETA app or UK government website, as third-party services may charge additional fees and cannot get you a faster decision.
Q: How long does it take to get a UK ETA?
A: You’ll usually receive a decision by email within one day, but it can take up to three working days. You should wait until you receive confirmation that your ETA has been approved before traveling to the UK. If you haven’t received a decision after three working days, check your spam or junk folder before contacting UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
