UK ETA at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Cost | £20 per person (was £16 before 8 April 2026) |
| Validity | 2 years, or until your passport expires if sooner |
| Stay | Up to 6 months per visit, multiple visits |
| Purpose | Tourism, family visits, business, short study |
| How to apply | UK ETA app or GOV.UK website |
| Decision | Often within minutes; allow 3 working days |
Who needs a UK ETA?
Visitors from visa-free countries, including all EU countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and many in the Americas and Asia. Each traveller needs their own ETA, including children and babies.
You don’t need an ETA if you’re a British or Irish citizen, you already hold a UK visa or residence permission, or you’re transiting airside at certain airports without passing through UK border control (check the current rules for your airport). Full details are on GOV.UK.
How to apply, step by step
- Download the official UK ETA app, or apply on GOV.UK.
- Scan your passport (the app reads the chip on most passports).
- Take a photo of your face, and answer questions about criminal convictions and travel.
- Pay the £20 fee by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Wait for the email decision. The ETA is linked digitally to your passport: nothing to print.
Avoid unofficial sites
Many websites charge far more than £20 to “help” with the application. Use only the official app or GOV.UK.
Tips
- Apply before booking non-refundable travel if you have any criminal record or past immigration issues.
- If you renew your passport, you need a new ETA.
- Airlines check for an ETA before boarding, so don’t leave it to the airport.
- Travelling via Ireland? Separate rules apply; check before you go.
Planning your trip? See our London travel guide and Edinburgh travel guide.
More Edinburgh guides
- Edinburgh travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Edinburgh
- Best time to visit Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Airport to the city centre
- Edinburgh Castle tickets
- Highlands and Loch Ness day trip
FAQ: UK ETA
Do EU citizens need an ETA for the UK?
Yes. EU citizens (except Irish citizens) need an ETA for short visits.
Do Americans need an ETA for the UK?
Yes. US citizens have needed an ETA since January 2025.
How long does a UK ETA take?
Most decisions arrive within minutes, but the government advises applying at least 3 working days before travel.
Can I work in the UK with an ETA?
No. An ETA is for visits only; paid work needs a visa.
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