Whether you’re planning a short trip to London or a longer city break along England’s coast, the UK has tightened its entry requirements for many international travelers since April 2, 2025. The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is now mandatory for many visitors, including many EU citizens. This new system aims to digitize border traffic and increase security. But what exactly is the ETA for the UK, who needs it, and how can you apply for it? In this comprehensive article, we explain the most important points about the ETA for entry into the United Kingdom.
What is an ETA for the UK?
Since the beginning of April 2025, some visitors to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland may be surprised to find that, in addition to a valid passport, they now also need a paid ETA. But what exactly is it?
The abbreviation ETA stands for “electronic travel authorization.” This new digital document is required for citizens of certain countries to visit the UK. As part of a comprehensive reform since Brexit, the ETA system is primarily intended to help carry out security checks before arrival in the country, in order to identify potential threats at an early stage. At the same time, the system is designed to simplify and speed up the entry process for travelers.
The electronic entry permit for the UK first came into force in fall 2023, but at that time only for travelers from Qatar. In February 2024, citizens from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman also had to apply for the permit. Starting January 8, 2025 travelers from the U.S. also had to apply for a ETA before being granted entry. Since April 2, 2025, travelers from all over the world must now apply for this fee-based permit online.
However, the United Kingdom is by no means the only country to require electronic entry permits for visitors. Visitors to the US, for example, have had to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) since 2009. Anyone wishing to travel to Canada has had to fill out an eTA since 2016, and Australia (ETA since 1996), New Zealand (NZeTA since 2019) and South Korea (K-ETA since 2025) require similar digital pre-registration.
IMPORTANT
In response to the ETA for the UK, the European Union is also planning a digital entry form called ETIAS for the Schengen area. The introduction of the visa-free European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is planned for mid-2025.
Who needs an ETA for the United Kingdom?
All visa-exempt nationals, including U.S. citizens, must apply for an ETA since January 8, 2025, if they wish to travel to the UK. This applies to tourist stays, business trips, short study visits, or visits to friends and family. Exceptions apply to British and Irish citizens and to persons with a valid UK visa or residence status.
Travelers flying to the United Kingdom will have their ETA status checked at check-in. For example, Lufthansa announced at the beginning of April that checks will be carried out during check-in “with system support.”
There are the following exceptions to the ETA requirement
Anyone wishing to enter the United Kingdom, and therefore England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, requires an ETA. However, there are some exceptions for groups of people who do not require an electronic residence permit to enter the country. These include:
People with a British or Irish passport.
People with a valid residence permit or visa for the United Kingdom.
Transit passengers who do not pass through border control.
People planning to travel to the British territories of Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar also do not currently require an ETA.
CAUTION
For Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man, the introduction of the ETA requirement is expected to be planned for the end of 2025 or early 2026. Due to its special location on the Iberian Peninsula, separate entry requirements apply to Gibraltar.
How do I apply for an ETA for the United Kingdom?
The ETA application can only be made online via the official website of the British government at GOV.uk or the UK ETA app. The latter is available for both iOS and Android operating systems. To apply for electronic entry clearance, you will need:
A valid biometric passport
A recent digital passport photo
A valid means of payment (credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay)
An email address for confirmation.
When you apply for an ETA for the UK, you will first have to answer a few security questions during the application process. You will also be asked to provide details of your accommodation during your stay or your place of work. You will then be asked to upload a photo of your passport. Travelers aged nine and above must also perform a short face scan using the app and their cell phone camera.
Once you have completed the application, you pay the fee and, if your application is successful, you will receive your ETA confirmation by email. The authorization is digitally linked to your passport and entitles you to multiple entries and stays of up to six months within two years. Please note that processing usually takes up to 72 hours, so apply for your ETA no later than three days before departure.
Important: Applications for an ETA for the United Kingdom are currently only possible in English.
ETA costs and validity
Until April 8, 2025, the electronic entry permit for the United Kingdom cost £10 (approx. $14 or €12), but since April 9, a fee of £16 (approx. $22 or €19) has been charged. The ETA is valid for a total of two years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first.
However, within this period, you can make as many entries into the UK as you like, provided that you do not exceed the maximum stay of six months in each case. After the two years have expired, a new ETA must be applied for for the UK.
What happens without a valid ETA?
Travelers without a valid ETA are not allowed to board planes, trains, or ferries to the UK. Transportation companies are required to ensure that all passengers have a valid permit before departure—otherwise, they face heavy penalties.
If your application is rejected, you have the following alternatives:
Apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
Apply for a specific visa such as a transit or work visa.
The most important questions about electronic entry clearance for the UK
How do I get an ETA for the UK?
You can apply for an ETA via the ETA app provided by the UK Home Office or online via the official GOV.uk website. All you need is a valid passport, an internet connection, and a payment method for the processing fee. Since April 9, this fee is £16, equivalent to approximately $22 or €19.
Can I apply for an ETA for a group?
From April 2025, every traveler to the United Kingdom will need their own ETA, including children and babies. However, parents or guardians can apply on behalf of their children.
What happens if my passport changes?
If your linked passport expires or your personal details change, your ETA will automatically expire. In this case, you will need to apply for a new ETA with your new passport.
When do I need to apply for an ETA for the UK?
It is recommended that you apply for your ETA at least three days before your trip to avoid delays. The authorization should always be available before boarding your flight to the UK, otherwise you may be denied boarding, depending on the airline.
Who does not need an ETA to enter England?
There are some people who do not need an electronic residence permit to enter the UK. Accordingly, you will need an ETA if:
You have a visa for the UK
You have permission to live, work, or study in the UK
You are transiting through a UK airport and will not be passing through border control. If you are unsure, it is best to check with your airline before departure.
You are a British or Irish citizen
You are traveling with a British Overseas Territory passport
You are entering the UK with a British National (Overseas) passport
You live in Ireland and are entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man
You are exempt from immigration control or obtaining an entry clearance.
Do I need an ETA for the United Kingdom?
If you are from a country covered by the ETA system, you will need electronic authorization to visit the UK. According to the UK’s official website, nationals of the following countries (including associated territories) can now apply for an ETA for the UK.
Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City.
Important: Holders of a British National (Overseas) passport do not need an ETA or visa to visit the United Kingdom.
Who cannot apply for an ETA for the United Kingdom?
If you are a citizen of the following countries, you cannot apply for an ETA to enter the United Kingdom, but need a VISA:
Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, China, Dominican Republic, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Vatican City, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jamaica, Yemen, Jordan, Cambodia, Cameroon, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Congo, North Korea, Kosovo, Cuba, Kuwait, Laos, Lesotho, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Macedonia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Rwanda, Russia, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, South Africa, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Chad, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Central African Republic, Cyprus (North), Belarus.
Does the ETA guarantee entry into the United Kingdom?
No, an ETA does not automatically guarantee entry into the United Kingdom. The Electronic Travel Authorization is only a required entry permit that allows you to travel to the border point (e.g., airport). However, the border police (Border Force) will decide on site whether you are actually allowed to enter. Reasons for possible rejection may include incorrect information, missing documents, or security concerns.
What is the difference between a visa and an ETA for the United Kingdom?
An ETA is an electronic entry permit for short stays of up to 6 months in the UK – for example, for vacations, business trips, or family visits. A visa, on the other hand, is required if you want to stay longer, work, study, or enter the country permanently. Applying for an ETA is quick and easy online, while a visa is more complicated and must be applied for through the British Embassy.
Feature | ETA UK (Electronic Travel Authorisation) | Visa for UK |
|---|---|---|
Who needs it? | Citizens of visa-free countries (e.g., Germany, Austria, Switzerland) | Citizens of countries that require a visa or for specific purposes of stay |
Purpose | Short stay (max. 6 months): Vacation, business trip, transit, visiting friends/family | Longer stay, study, work, family reunification, immigration |
Application | Online via app or British government website | Through the British Embassy or visa centers |
Processing Time | Usually a max. of 72 hours | Often several weeks |
Costs | £16 (as of April 2025) | Depending on the type of visa (sometimes several hundred euros) |
Documents upon entry | Digital authorization linked to passport (no sticker or stamp) | Visa sticker in passport |
Conclusion: Preparation is everything
The introduction of electronic travel authorization marks an important step toward the digitization of British border traffic. Although the system places additional requirements on travelers, it also offers advantages such as faster border controls and increased security. With careful preparation—including applying for your ETA in good time—nothing will stand in the way of your stay in the United Kingdom!
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