If you're visiting Britain, make sure you're prepared for the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. It's now fully in force, with airlines running automated checks before boarding, so it pays to have yours sorted well before you travel. Here's a quick guide to help you get it right.

What Is the UK ETA?

The ETA is a digital travel permit for visitors to the UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands from visa-exempt countries like the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries. It's linked to your passport and lets you visit for up to 6 months at a time for tourism, business, or family visits. Once approved, it covers multiple trips and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

The fully online application links the ETA to the applicant's passport, so eligible travellers simply present their passport at UK border points on arrival. Since 25 February 2026, carriers have been running automated digital checks to confirm a traveller holds a valid ETA (or other permission to travel) before allowing them to board, so an approved ETA is essential, not just a formality.

Do You Need an ETA to Enter the UK?

Most travellers from visa-free countries will need an ETA, including holidaymakers. British and Irish citizens don't need one, and there are special rules for dual citizens (see below). Check today if you need an ETA or visa to enter the UK.

The ETA was introduced in phases, starting in November 2023 with Qatar, followed by several Gulf countries in February 2024. On 27 November 2024, the programme expanded to 49 additional non-European countries, with applications open for travel starting 8 January 2025, including Australia and the United States. The next phase began on 2 April 2025, requiring nationals from 34 European countries to have an ETA, with applications opening on 5 March 2025. The scheme is now fully rolled out, with automated carrier enforcement in place since 25 February 2026.

How Do You Apply?

It's simple:

• Apply online or via the UK ETA app.
• Have your passport, email address, a compliant photo, and payment method ready.
• Pay the £20 fee per person (the fee has risen twice since launch, from £10 to £16 in April 2025 and to £20 in April 2026, so it's worth checking the current amount before you apply).

Approval usually takes minutes, but the UK government advises allowing at least 3 working days in case of delays, and it's wise to apply at least a week before your trip for extra buffer. Once approved, your ETA covers multiple journeys and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. There's no appeal process if an application is refused, so a refused applicant would need to apply for a visa instead.

Top Tips for a Smooth Trip in the UK

• Check your passport is valid for the entire stay.
• Save a copy of your ETA confirmation, either printed or on your phone, for travel.
• Apply as soon as your plans are firm to avoid last-minute stress, especially now that boarding checks are automated.

The UK ETA is designed to make entering Britain quicker and easier for eligible travellers. For full details or to apply, visit the official UK government website.

Dual Citizens

If you hold British or Irish citizenship as well as another nationality, you cannot apply for an ETA and don't need one. Instead, you should travel using evidence of your British or Irish status, normally a valid British or Irish passport. If you don't have a current British or Irish passport, you'll need a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode instead.

Some airlines may, at their own discretion, accept an expired British or Irish passport (issued from 1989 onwards) alongside a valid passport from an ETA-eligible nationality, provided the personal details match on both documents, but this isn't guaranteed. Since full enforcement began on 25 February 2026, carriers are checking these documents closely, so if you don't currently hold a valid British or Irish passport or Certificate of Entitlement, it's worth arranging one well before you travel to avoid any difficulties at boarding. Read the official Government website's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): guide for dual citizens.

Ready to visit the UK? Take a look at our range of walking holidays in the United Kingdom, and don't forget to apply for your ETA before you arrive.

Page last updated 8 September 2026.