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Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system
From April 2025, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is extended to EU travellers entering the UK.
Understanding the ETA system
Electronic Travel Authorisation, also known as ETA, is a digital immigration system which authorises a person to travel to the UK. Its purpose is to help enhance border security and streamline the entry process into the country by electronically linking to the visitor’s passport.
How does it work, and who needs it?
An ETA can be applied for online, where visitors are asked to provide their details, covering everything from biographic, biometric, and contact details to answers on suitability and criminality. It is not a visa and is set in place for visitors who do not need one but don’t already have a UK immigration status.
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.
How do people apply for the 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