https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet-april-2025/
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet – 9 April 2025
We are making improvements to deliver a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year.
Visitors to the UK need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months, or do not already have a UK immigration status.
Visitors who transit through the UK by crossing the UK border need an ETA, if required for their nationality.
An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa or a tax and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK.
British and Irish citizens, as well as people with status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need an ETA.
Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Visitors can find more information about applying for an ETA on GOV.UK
An ETA costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
As with all our fees the cost of an ETA is kept under review.
The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia, and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK.
How do people apply for an ETA?
- The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app’, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store. People can apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
- Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Most applicants currently get an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app.
- Visitors are advised to allow three working days for a decision on their application, but this is to take account of the small number of cases which need further review. Visitors can find more information about applying for an ETA on GOV.UK
- To apply for an ETA, applicants need to:
- Pay the £16 fee
- Provide contact and passport details
- Provide a valid photo, complying with our rules for digital photos on GOV.UK
- Answer a set of questions
People must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for an ETA.
Further information on how to apply before coming to the UK is available on GOV.UK
Do British dual citizens need an ETA?
- Dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship do not need an ETA.
- We recommend that all British citizens travel on a valid British passport to avoid unnecessary delays at the border. UK passports can be renewed at GOV.UK
- As an alternative to travelling with a valid British passport, British dual citizens can evidence their citizenship in another passport by obtaining a certificate of entitlement on GOV.UK
- We recognise that the introduction of the ETA is a substantial change for British dual citizens of ETA eligible nationalities. In the current transition period, we do not expect carriers to deny boarding to passengers who cannot produce a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
- In the future, British dual citizens who do not possess a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement may encounter difficulties at the point of boarding or at the UK border. It is advised that passengers in this position begin to make the necessary arrangements now, to avoid such complications at a later date.
Are ETAs needed by those transiting through the UK? If so, why?
- Following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control, from needing an ETA. The exemption will be kept under review.
- Visitors who transit through the UK by crossing through the UK border will continue to need an ETA, if required for their nationality.
How does an ETA help UK border security?
- Those applying for an ETA provide their biographic, biometric and contact details, and answer a short set of questions on suitability and criminality. This increases our knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and prevent the arrival of those who present a threat.
What happens if someone is not able to obtain an ETA?
- If a person’s ETA application is rejected, they will be told the reason and can apply again.
- If a person’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission to come to the UK.
How does ETA work in Northern Ireland?
- The UK does not operate routine immigration controls on journeys from within the Common Travel Area, with no immigration controls whatsoever on the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border.
- However, everyone arriving in the UK, including those entering Northern Ireland, continues to need to enter in line with the UK’s Immigration Rules including obtaining an ETA if they are eligible.
- British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
- Non-Irish residents of Ireland from nationalities that do not need a visa to visit the UK (e.g. European and US nationals), do not need an ETA when travelling to the UK– including Northern Ireland – from within the Common Travel Area which includes Ireland, provided they hold acceptable evidence of their residence status. Full guidance on this can be found at GOV.UK. If they are travelling to the UK from outside the Common Travel Area, they will need an ETA before they travel, once required for their nationality.
What do people do if they apply through a fraudulent website?
- People should visit the official GOV.UK website to find more information about applying for an ETA.
- Anyone can report suspected internet immigration scams through our internet scams tool on GOV.UK
- People can verify if they hold a valid ETA or if their application has been received using our ETA Webchat
How many people have applied for an ETA?
- We publish data on the number of ETA applications grants and rejections on GOV.UK
Further guidance on ETAs is available on GOV.UK