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Travel authorization · checked 3 Nov 2026

UK ETA (United Kingdom): who needs it and how to apply

The short answerThe UK ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for tourism, family visits and certain other reasons. Go to the official site.

The official link goes to gov.uk. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.

At a glance

The UK ETA in brief.

Fee£20
Valid forTwo years, or until your passport expires
StayUp to 6 months per visit
When to applyAt least three working days before you travel
DecisionUsually within a day, up to 3 working days
Who it’s for

Do you need it?

Visitors from listed nationalities who don’t need a visa for short stays, including people from Europe, the USA, Australia and Canada. Every traveler needs their own, including babies. British and Irish citizens don’t need one.

Before you start

What to have ready.

  1. The passport you’ll travel with.
  2. An email address.
  3. A card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
  4. A photo of your face.
  5. A photo of your passport if you apply online.
Step by step

How to get the UK ETA.

  1. Check it applies to you. Visitors from listed nationalities who don’t need a visa for short stays, including people from Europe, the USA, Australia and Canada. Every traveler needs their own, including babies. British and Irish citizens don’t need one.
  2. Pick your moment. At least three working days before you travel.
  3. Get these ready. The passport you’ll travel with; An email address; A card, Apple Pay or Google Pay; A photo of your face; A photo of your passport if you apply online.
  4. Apply on the official site only. That’s gov.uk. The government fee is £20.
  5. Wait for the answer. Usually within a day, up to 3 working days. Don’t travel until it arrives.
  6. Keep it with your passport. It’s valid for two years, or until your passport expires, for up to 6 months per visit.
Watch outOther websites may charge more and can’t get you a faster decision. The fee isn’t refunded, and you shouldn’t travel until the confirmation email arrives.

Not sure your passport needs the UK ETA? See the full United Kingdom entry requirements for 33 passports, including passport validity and what to show at the border.

Questions

The short answers.

What is the best eVisa for the United Kingdom?

The UK ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for tourism, family visits and certain other reasons. Apply on the official site, unless you want to pay a private service for help.

Who needs the UK ETA?

Visitors from listed nationalities who don’t need a visa for short stays, including people from Europe, the USA, Australia and Canada. Every traveler needs their own, including babies. British and Irish citizens don’t need one.

How much does it cost?

£20. Fees change, so confirm it on the official site before you pay.

When should I apply?

At least three working days before you travel.

How long does the UK ETA take?

Usually within a day, up to 3 working days.

How long is the UK ETA valid?

Two years, or until your passport expires. Each visit: up to 6 months per visit.

Is the UK ETA a visa?

No. It’s a travel authorization: permission to board and travel for people who don’t need a visa. If you need a visa, the UK ETA doesn’t replace it.

What do I need to apply?

The passport you’ll travel with; An email address; A card, Apple Pay or Google Pay; A photo of your face; A photo of your passport if you apply online.

Does NUM issue the UK ETA?

No. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service, and we don’t decide applications. We explain what’s needed and link to the official site.

The rest of the trip

Land connected.

Get your data ready before you fly with a United Kingdom eSIM. Need anything else? Text NUM.

Sources

Where this comes from.

Going somewhere else?

More country guides.