UK ETA 2027: Cost, Rules and Application
Learn what the UK ETA is, who needs one, how much it costs, how to apply through the official app or GOV.UK, and how long it is valid.
Charlotte Whitmore
Last updated
What the UK ETA Is
If you are from a country that doesn’t need a visa to visit the UK, you probably now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel. The ETA is a digital permission linked to your passport, and it lets you visit the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings or short study. It is not a visa, but you cannot board your flight, ferry or train to the UK without it. It also covers trips to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
Who Needs a UK ETA
Most visitors who don’t need a visa for short visits now need an ETA, including citizens of EU countries, the USA, Canada and Australia. Europeans have needed one since 2 April 2025. Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and young children. You don’t need an ETA if you are a British or Irish citizen, if you already have a UK visa, or if you have permission to live, work or study in the UK.
Cost and Validity
Since 8 April 2026, the ETA costs £20 per person, and the fee is not refunded if you are refused. Once approved, your ETA lets you visit the UK as many times as you like for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each visit can last up to six months. If you get a new passport, you need a new ETA.
How to Apply Step by Step
First, download the official UK ETA app or go to the official ETA page on GOV.UK. Next, scan or upload your passport, take a photo of your face, answer a few questions and pay the fee. You usually get a decision by email within a day, but allow up to three working days, and don’t travel until you receive the email confirming your ETA. Your email will contain a 16-digit ETA reference number, so keep it safe.
Avoid Unofficial Websites
Many unofficial websites offer to apply for an ETA for you, but they often charge much more than the official £20 fee. The official app and GOV.UK are the cheapest and safest ways to apply, and the process takes only a few minutes. Also remember that an ETA lets you travel, but border officers still decide whether to let you in when you arrive, so carry proof of your travel plans.
Can You Work in the UK With an ETA?
No. An ETA is only for visits, such as tourism, family visits and business meetings. To work in the UK, you need a work visa.
Do You Need an ETA to Change Planes in the UK?
It depends on your airport and whether you pass through UK border control. Check the latest transit rules on GOV.UK before you travel.
What If Your ETA Is Refused?
You cannot appeal an ETA refusal. Instead, you can apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
[Check if you need a UK ETA →]
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