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UK ETA guides

Practical explainers written by our team and checked against official GOV.UK guidance. Each one opens with a short answer, then the detail.

Basics

  1. What is a UK ETA?

    A UK ETA is digital permission to travel, linked to your passport. What it costs, how long it lasts, who needs one and how to apply on GOV.UK.

    4 min read

  2. UK ETA or visa: which do you need?

    ETA or visa for the UK? Who can get an ETA, when you need a visa instead, what each one allows and what to do if your nationality isn't on the list.

    4 min read

Before you apply

  1. What you need to apply for a UK ETA

    Everything you need for a UK ETA application: passport, photos, email, payment and the questions you'll answer, plus the mistakes that cause delays.

    4 min read

  2. How long does a UK ETA take?

    How long a UK ETA takes to come through, when to apply, what further checks mean for your application and what to do if you're travelling soon.

    4 min read

Special cases

  1. UK ETA for children and families

    Do children and babies need a UK ETA? Yes, each needs their own. How parents apply, photo tips, group trips and children with different passports.

    4 min read

  2. Do you need a UK ETA for transit?

    Do you need a UK ETA to change planes in the UK? How airside and landside transit differ, plus the temporary Heathrow and Manchester exemption.

    4 min read

  3. UK ETA for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

    EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have needed a UK ETA since 2 April 2025. Who is exempt, why ID cards no longer work for most, and what changed in 2026.

    4 min read

After you apply

  1. What to do if your UK ETA is refused

    If your UK ETA is refused there's no appeal, but you still have options. What a refusal means, applying for a visa, reapplying and avoiding mistakes.

    4 min read

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