The Government are making improvements to deliver a more streamlined digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who travel to the UK each year.
Visitors to the UK who do not need a visa for short stays (up to six months) and do not have a UK immigration status need an ETA. From 25 February 2026 eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot legally travel to the UK.
The ETA costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK of up to six months at a time over two years or until the individuals passport expires - whichever is sooner.
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Who requires an ETA
The ETA applies to all non-visa nationals (those from countries not on the visa national list) including babies and children who are visiting the UK and includes those:
- Visiting for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, academic or short-term study, under the permitted activities of a Standard Visitor visa;
- Undertaking a permitted paid engagement;
- transiting through the UK - including if they are not going through UK border control;
- Visiting for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession.
Who does not require an ETA
British and Irish citizens;
- Anyone who already holds a UK visa or other valid immigration status for the UK;
- Visa nationals who must continue to apply for and be granted the appropriate visa prior to travelling to the UK;
- Academics of any nationality, visiting for up to 12 months who must apply for and be granted this visa in advance of travel.
Further guidance
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