Status: Active
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Programme overview
An active digital permission to travel for eligible non-visa nationals; it is not a visa or permission to enter.
Source: GOV.UK, GOV.UK, UK Home Office · verified 26 October 2026
Official fee
£20 government application fee
Other websites may charge more. Use GOV.UK for the official service.
Validity
2 years or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever is sooner
Source: GOV.UK, UK Home Office · verified 26 October 2026
Permitted stay
Multiple journeys, normally for visits of up to 6 months at a time
Permitted activities and special routes have their own conditions.
Source: GOV.UK, GOV.UK, UK Home Office · verified 26 October 2026
Processing guidance
A decision is usually sent within a day, but GOV.UK says to allow up to 3 working days
A small number of cases can take longer, so this is guidance rather than a guarantee.
Passport and documents
The ETA is linked to the passport used to apply; travel with that same passport
Source: GOV.UK, UK Home Office · verified 26 October 2026
Transit
An ETA is needed for eligible travellers who pass UK border control; airside connections at Heathrow and Manchester currently do not need one
Transit arrangements can change. Confirm with the airline and GOV.UK.
Source: GOV.UK, UK Home Office · verified 26 October 2026
Exemptions and other routes
British and Irish citizens, people with UK permission, and certain other official exemption categories do not need an ETA
Legal residents of Ireland travelling within the Common Travel Area may qualify for an exemption.
Important conditions
An ETA does not guarantee entry and cannot replace a visa where one is required
Source: GOV.UK, GOV.UK, UK Home Office · verified 26 October 2026