Verify your Electronic Travel Authorisation for the United Kingdom
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory digital travel permission required for visitors from 85+ countries who wish to enter the United Kingdom without a visa. Introduced as part of the UK's digital border transformation under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, the ETA system replaces the previous Electronic Visa Waiver scheme and applies to all visa-exempt nationals traveling to the UK for tourism, business, family visits, short-term study, or transit purposes.
Since its launch in October 2023, over 19.6 million ETAs have been granted to travelers worldwide. The system became mandatory for non-European nationalities from January 8, 2025, and for European nationalities from April 2, 2025. Starting February 25, 2026, visitors without a valid ETA will not be permitted to board transportation to the UK, making pre-travel authorization absolutely essential for your journey.
Unlike a visa, an ETA does not guarantee entry into the United Kingdom. It simply authorizes you to travel to the UK, where border officials will make the final determination on your entry. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so there is nothing to print or carry with you. Airlines, ferry operators, and train services verify your ETA status automatically through the Advance Passenger Information system before allowing you to board.
Understanding the essential details about the UK ETA system will help ensure your travel plans proceed smoothly. The fee for a UK ETA is £16, which increased from £10 in April 2025. This fee covers the processing of your application and is non-refundable, even if your application is denied or you change your travel plans. Each traveler, including babies and children, must have their own individual ETA linked to their own passport.
Your ETA remains valid for two years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this validity period, you can make unlimited trips to the UK, with each visit lasting up to six months for tourism or business purposes. If you renew your passport or obtain a new one for any reason, you must apply for a new ETA, as the authorization is tied to your specific passport number and cannot be transferred.
Most ETA applications receive an automatic decision within minutes when submitted through the official UK ETA app. However, some applications require manual review by Home Office officials, which can take up to three working days. In rare cases involving complex security checks, processing may take longer. The UK government recommends applying for your ETA before making any travel bookings, although you can technically apply and travel while awaiting a decision as long as you applied before your departure date.
The UK ETA requirement applies to citizens of countries that previously enjoyed visa-free access to the United Kingdom. This includes travelers from major regions including North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. American citizens represent the largest group of ETA applicants, with over 4.6 million authorizations granted since the system expanded. German nationals follow with approximately 2 million ETAs, and French citizens with 1.4 million approvals.
European Union citizens, including those from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and all other EU member states, now require an ETA to visit the UK. Citizens of the European Economic Area countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland also need authorization. This represents a significant change from pre-Brexit travel arrangements and affects approximately 450 million people who previously could visit the UK without any pre-travel requirements.
Notable exceptions exist for certain categories of travelers. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA under any circumstances, as they retain free movement rights under the Common Travel Area agreement. Residents of Ireland traveling from within the Common Travel Area (Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or Isle of Man) are also exempt, regardless of their nationality. Additionally, anyone holding a valid UK visa, residence permit, or settled/pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme does not need an ETA.
After submitting your ETA application, you can verify your status through several official channels. The primary method is checking your email inbox for a decision notification from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This email will confirm whether your ETA has been granted, is pending manual review, or has been refused. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder, as automated government emails sometimes trigger spam filters. The decision email contains your unique reference number and confirmation that your ETA is linked to your passport.
If you applied through the UK ETA mobile app, you can open the app at any time to view your application status and details. The app displays your current authorization status, the passport it is linked to, and the expiration date. This is particularly useful when you need to confirm your ETA details before travel or show verification to curious airline staff, although officially you never need to display anything as the ETA is checked electronically.
For travelers who have not received a decision after three working days, the official ETA Webchat service provides a direct line to Home Office support. Through this service, you can confirm that your application was received, inquire about processing delays, and verify that your ETA is valid. The webchat is available during UK business hours and is the recommended method for resolving any status concerns before your departure date.
Applying for a UK ETA is straightforward and can be completed entirely online or through the official UK ETA mobile app. The app is generally faster and may yield quicker decisions because it can scan your passport chip and verify your biometric data automatically. To apply, you will need your valid passport, a debit or credit card for payment, access to your email, and approximately 10 minutes to complete the application form.
The application requires you to provide personal information including your full name exactly as it appears in your passport, date of birth, nationality, and contact details. You will also answer questions about your travel plans, criminal history, and any previous immigration issues. Honesty is crucial on these questions, as providing false information is a criminal offense under UK law and will result in automatic refusal and potential future visa bans.
Once submitted, your application is processed through automated security checks against UK and international databases. If no adverse information is found, you will receive approval within minutes. Applications flagged for additional review are examined by Home Office officials who assess whether you meet the eligibility criteria. Refused applicants receive an explanation of the decision but have no right to appeal. Instead, you would need to apply for a standard UK visitor visa if you still wish to travel.
Different nationalities have specific considerations when applying for a UK ETA. American citizens, as the largest group of applicants, benefit from extensive processing experience and typically receive decisions within minutes. US passport holders can apply through either the website or app, with the app recommended for faster biometric verification. No special documentation is required beyond a valid US passport with sufficient validity for your intended stay.
European Union citizens should be aware that the ETA requirement represents a new travel step compared to pre-Brexit arrangements. Germans, French, Italians, Spanish, and citizens of all other EU member states must now apply before traveling to the UK. The process is identical regardless of which EU country you are from, and there are no bilateral exemptions or special arrangements. EU citizens who also hold British citizenship or have UK settled status should travel on those documents instead to avoid the ETA requirement.
Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand citizens have been required to hold ETAs since January 2025. These nationalities are processed under the same system as US citizens and typically experience equally fast approval times. Citizens of Commonwealth countries may wonder if their historical ties to the UK provide any advantage, but the ETA system treats all visa-exempt nationalities identically in terms of processing and requirements.
Check if your UK ETA application has been approved, is pending review, or requires additional action.
Track Your ETA →Find out if you need a UK ETA based on your nationality and travel circumstances.
Check Eligibility →Step-by-step instructions for completing your UK ETA application correctly the first time.
How to Apply →Specific guidance for American travelers applying for UK Electronic Travel Authorisation.
US Guide →Information for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals traveling to the United Kingdom.
Europe Guide →Learn when you need an ETA for connecting flights through UK airports.
Transit Info →