From 25 February 2026 eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot legally travel to the UK. The following guidelines tell you ow to apply for an ETA, and what it allows you to do.
An electronic travel authorisation, known as an ETA, allows eligible visitors to travel to the UK for short stays. It covers tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and certain other permitted activities for up to six months.
An ETA costs £16 and must be obtained before travel. Applications should be made only through official UK government channels. Authorities warn travellers to avoid third-party websites that imitate government services and often charge higher fees.
Most visitors to the UK now need either an ETA or a visa. The requirement depends on nationality and the reason for travel. Travellers from Europe, the United States, Australia, Canada and several other countries usually need an ETA rather than a visa.
Some travellers do not need an ETA. These include British and Irish passport holders, people with valid UK visas and those with permission to live, work or study in the UK. Transit passengers who do not pass through UK border control may also be exempt.
Italian passport holders will need an ETA
Each person travelling must have their own authorisation, including babies and children. Applications can be made for other people, either through the UK ETA app or online, depending on whether the applicant is present.
Dual British or Irish citizens cannot apply for an ETA. They must prove their citizenship using a valid British or Irish passport, or another eligible passport containing a certificate of entitlement. Travellers living in Ireland may not need an ETA if they are entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Different rules apply to nationals who normally require a visa.
An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. Border officials still decide admission on arrival. Travellers with a criminal record or a previous refusal of entry may be advised to apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead.
Stays of up to 6 months but regular work not permitted
With an ETA, visitors can stay in the UK for up to six months. It allows tourism, family visits, business travel, short-term study, permitted paid engagements and transit through UK airports where border control is required.
An ETA does not allow long stays, regular work or access to public funds. It also cannot be used to live in the UK through frequent visits. Marriage or civil partnership requires a separate Marriage Visitor visa.
Applications cost £16 and are non-refundable. Applicants need a valid passport, an email address and a payment method. A photo of the applicant’s face and passport is required as part of the process.
Most people receive a decision by email within one day, although it can take up to three working days. The authorisation is digitally linked to the passport used for the application.
An ETA remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. During that time, holders can make multiple trips to the UK without reapplying.
