UK ETA Guide: How to Get Your Electronic Travel Authorisation for London

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Planning a trip to London? Before you book theater tickets and a table for Sunday roast, check whether you need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA is a digital permission to travel that most visitors who do not need a visa must now get before flying to the United Kingdom. It is quick and inexpensive when you apply through the official channels, but forgetting it can stop you from boarding. Here is what you need to know.

What the UK ETA Is

An ETA is not a visa. It is a pre-travel authorization linked electronically to your passport. The UK government introduced it in phases: U.S. travelers and many other non-European nationals have needed one since January 2025, and most European nationals since April 2025. According to GOV.UK, people from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and certain other countries usually need an ETA rather than a visa for visits.

An ETA lets you visit the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for tourism, visiting family and friends, business activities or short-term study for up to six months at a time. It is generally valid for multiple trips over two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can check your ETA’s expiry date on GOV.UK.

Who Needs One and Who Does Not

  • Needs an ETA: most visa-exempt visitors, including U.S., Canadian, Australian and most EU citizens, for short visits.
  • Babies and children: every traveler needs their own ETA, including infants. A parent or guardian can apply on their behalf.
  • Exempt: holders of British or Irish passports, and people who already have permission to live, work or study in the UK.
  • Needs a visa instead: travelers from countries that require a visa, or anyone visiting for longer stays or purposes not covered by visitor rules.

Connecting through London

GOV.UK says you need an ETA if you pass through UK border control during your journey, for example if you collect bags and recheck them, or change airports. If you are unsure whether your connection requires passing through border control, check with your airline before you fly.

How Much It Costs

The official fee is £20 per person. GOV.UK warns that other websites may charge more and advises avoiding sites that imitate government services. Search results and ads often show third-party “ETA services” that add significant markups, so start from GOV.UK.

How to Apply

  • Use the official app or website. The UK ETA app is the government’s recommended route, and you can also apply on GOV.UK.
  • Have your passport ready. Use the same passport you will travel with.
  • Take photos. You will need a photo of your passport and a photo of your face that meets GOV.UK’s digital photo rules.
  • Answer suitability questions about criminal convictions and immigration history honestly.
  • Pay the fee by card or digital wallet.

GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision by email within a day, but it can take up to three working days. Apply well before your trip, especially if booking last-minute travel. The ETA is linked to your passport digitally; you do not need to print anything, though saving the confirmation email is helpful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with the wrong passport. If you hold two passports, apply with the one you will use to travel.
  • Forgetting the kids. Each child needs a separate ETA.
  • Getting a new passport. An ETA is tied to a specific passport. If you renew it, you need a new ETA.
  • Paying a third-party site. Unofficial sites charge more and may not process your application properly.
  • Assuming an ETA guarantees entry. Border Force officers still decide whether to admit you, so carry documents such as return travel details and accommodation information.

Arriving in London

Once you have your ETA, arrival works much as before. Many visitors from eligible countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia and EU countries, can use eGates at major UK airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick when traveling on biometric passports, subject to age rules and eligibility. Children may need to go through a staffed desk with their parents. Check the latest guidance on GOV.UK before you travel, since eligibility can change.

Other Things to Sort Before a London Trip

  • Passport validity: make sure your passport is valid for your whole stay, and remember your ETA is tied to it.
  • Contactless travel: London’s buses, the Underground and many rail services accept contactless bank cards and mobile wallets, with daily and weekly fare caps applied automatically when you use the same card or device.
  • Travel insurance: overseas visitors may be charged for some NHS hospital treatment, so consider a policy with medical coverage.
  • Phone plans: check your carrier’s international roaming costs or consider a travel eSIM.
  • Plugs: the UK uses three-pin Type G sockets, so pack an adapter.
  • Driving: traffic drives on the left. If you plan to rent a car, check license and insurance requirements before you go.

FAQ

Does the ETA let me work in the UK?

No. An ETA is for visitor activities. Paid work generally requires the appropriate visa.

Can I visit Ireland with a UK ETA?

Ireland has its own immigration rules. An ETA is for the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Check Ireland’s entry rules separately.

What if my ETA is refused?

GOV.UK says that if an application is rejected you will need to apply again, and fees are not refundable. Depending on the reason, you may need to apply for a visa instead.

Sources

Note: Travel details such as prices, opening hours, entry requirements and visa rules change often. Please confirm with official sources before you travel. Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.