Updated 19 March 2026

From 25 February 2026 if you are visiting the UK from a country where you do not need a visa, such as EU countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, you will need to apply for the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Without an ETA you will not be able to board your transport or legally travel to the UK.

An ETA gives permission to travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or friends, short business trips or study and is valid for stays of up to six months. You also need an ETA to transit through the UK if you pass through border control.

All non-visa nationals of all ages, including children and babies, must apply for an ETA before travelling.

You can apply for an ETA via the UK ETA app or at GOV.UK. It costs £16 and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, with the fee being raised from £20, effective from 8th April 2026. Application decisions are expected within three working days.

Only apply through official UK Government channels and avoid unofficial websites. An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

British passports can be renewed on GOV.UK 

You do not need an ETA if you:

• Hold a British or Irish passport
• Have a UK visa or valid immigration status (e.g. permission to live, work or study)
• Are transiting airside (not passing through border control)
• Live in Ireland and are entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

Travelling back to the UK if you are a British or Irish citizen with dual nationality

• If you are a British or Irish citizen with dual nationality, you must have a valid British or Irish passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to, or returning to the UK to avoid being denied boarding from 25 February 2026. If not, you will need to have additional identity checks and will not be able to go through UK passport control until your nationality is verified.

Further information for dual nationals can be found on GOV.UK