UK ETA 2026: cost, who needs it, how to apply

In forceOfficial ✓ Fully verified on official sources

Mandatory for visa-exempt visitors incl. Europeans since 25 Feb 2026

Type: ETA · Last checked 2026-10-21

Key facts

Who needs itOfficial ✓

Visa-exempt visitors incl. USA, Canada, Australia, EU/EEA; landside transit; every person incl. babies

Who is exemptOfficial ✓

British and Irish passport holders; people with UK permission to live/work/study

FeeOfficial ✓

GBP 20 (non-refundable)

Approx. USD

$27 (approximate; exchange rate not verified)

ValidityOfficial ✓

2 years or until passport expires (multiple trips)

Max stay per visitOfficial ✓

up to 6 months per visit

Processing timeOfficial ✓

usually within 1 day; up to 3 working days

When to applyNot separately checked

before travel; wait for approval email

Badges: Official ✓ = read on an official government page · Official (snippet) = official page text seen in a search result because the page blocked our checker · Not confirmed = we could not confirm it, so check the official site.

Do I need it? Quick check by passport

• United States: Needed
• United Kingdom: Not needed
• EU country: Needed Irish citizens are exempt.
• Canada: Needed
• Australia: Needed

A starting point only, based on the official pages below. Dual nationals, residents and other passports: check the official site.

Official sources

• https://www.gov.uk/eta
• https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply

What the sources say

• Feehttps://www.gov.uk/eta/apply

  It costs £20 to apply online or through the UK ETA app. You cannot get a refund after you apply.

• Stayhttps://www.gov.uk/eta

  lets you travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for up to 6 months.

• Who needs ithttps://www.gov.uk/eta

  You usually need an ETA rather than a visa if you're from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries.

• Exempthttps://www.gov.uk/eta

  a British or Irish passport; permission to live, work or study in the UK

• Validityhttps://www.gov.uk/eta/apply

  An ETA lasts for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.

• Processinghttps://www.gov.uk/eta/apply

  You'll usually get a decision by email within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days.

• Scam warninghttps://www.gov.uk/eta

  Other websites may charge more to apply. Avoid websites that imitate government services.

• Our notehttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-enforces-digital-permission-to-travel
  Feb 2026 enforcement release shows £16; apply page now says £20 - use £20. (our summary, not a quote)

Last checked 2026-10-21. Rules change: always confirm on the official site before you travel.