UK ETA 2026: Country List, £16 Fee & How to Apply
As of April 2026 the UK ETA covers virtually every visa-exempt nationality, and the fee is now £16. Here's the application that actually gets approved.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, rolled out in waves since late 2023, is now mandatory for almost every visa-exempt traveler heading to Britain. European nationals were brought into scope in April 2025, the £10 launch price jumped to £16 the same month, and as of May 2026 there is no remaining loophole, if you don't need a visa for the UK, you almost certainly need an ETA.
The application itself is straightforward. The reasons people get refused are not, and that's where this guide focuses.
Quick Facts
| Cost | £16 (raised from £10 in April 2025) |
|---|---|
| Validity | 2 years, multiple entry |
| Max stay per entry | 6 months |
| Processing time | Usually under 3 working days; most decisions in minutes |
| How to apply | UK ETA app (iOS/Android) or GOV.UK website |
| Linked to | The passport you applied with, not transferable |
Who Needs a UK ETA in 2026
You need an ETA if you hold a passport from a country that is visa-exempt for short stays in the UK. This now includes:
- All EU/EEA member states (mandatory since 2 April 2025)
- USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore
- Gulf Cooperation Council states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman)
- Most of Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, etc.)
- Visa-exempt nationals already familiar with this requirement since late 2023
You do not need an ETA if you hold a UK or Irish passport, a UK visa, settled status, or you're traveling between Ireland and Northern Ireland under the Common Travel Area.
Step-by-Step Application
- Download the official 'UK ETA' app (published by the UK Home Office) or visit gov.uk/get-eta. Avoid third-party sites, they routinely overcharge and add no value.
- Have your passport, a credit/debit card, and an email address ready.
- Scan the chip on your passport with your phone (NFC). The app pulls your details automatically.
- Take a clear face photo using the in-app camera tool.
- Answer the suitability questions: criminal record, prior immigration breaches, terrorism-related questions.
- Pay the £16 fee.
- Wait for the email confirmation, usually within minutes, though officially up to 3 working days.
The ETA is electronically linked to your passport. There is nothing to print or carry. At the UK border, the e-gate or officer pulls it up automatically.
Costs & Processing Times
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £16 |
| Refund if refused | None |
| Most decisions | Within minutes |
| Worst case | 3 working days |
| Re-application after refusal | Allowed, with a new £16 fee |
Common Mistakes & Rejection Reasons
- Disclosing the wrong criminal history. Minor cautions and spent convictions generally don't disqualify you, but answering 'no' when the system finds an old US arrest record will. Be honest, most minor declarations are still approved.
- Applying with a passport that expires within months of travel. Your ETA is tied to the passport. If you renew, you must reapply.
- Using a paid third-party site. Sites like 'uk-eta-online.com' charge £40-£90 and just submit the same form. The only legitimate channels are the UK ETA app and gov.uk.
- Trying to use ETA for work. ETA permits tourism, business meetings, study under 6 months, and transit. It does not permit paid work, for that you need the relevant UK work visa.
- Photo problems. Glare on glasses, hair across the face, or a dark background is the single most common cause of stalled applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter the UK on the day my ETA is approved?
Yes, but airlines won't board you without it being live in the system. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
Does ETA cover Northern Ireland and Scotland?
Yes, ETA is valid for the entire United Kingdom. Note: travel from Ireland to Northern Ireland under the Common Travel Area doesn't require an ETA in practice, but the legal position is that you should have one if you ultimately enter the UK.
How many entries does one ETA allow?
Unlimited within the 2-year validity, each up to 6 months long. Frequent business travelers typically use one ETA for dozens of trips.
What if my application is refused?
You'll get a refusal email explaining the reason. Most refusals point to the standard visit visa route instead. You can reapply with corrected information, but if you have a serious adverse history, applying for a Standard Visitor visa is more sensible.
Do children need an ETA?
Yes, every traveler, including infants, needs their own ETA tied to their own passport.
Is ETA the same as ESTA (US) or ETA (Australia)?
The concept is similar, pre-travel digital authorization for visa-exempt visitors, but each program is separate. They share no data and one does not substitute for another.
What happens if I overstay my 6-month visit?
Your ETA is automatically invalidated, and you'll likely be refused entry on future attempts. The Home Office now flags overstays in real time via the new digital border records.
By James Chen, visas.guide editorial team. Last updated May 2026. Verify current fees and rules with the official issuing authority before applying.
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