ETA Permit Required for Travelers to Enter UK as of 2025

Similar to the United States' ESTA program, the UK is implementing the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) program for citizens of countries that currently do not require a visa to enter the country. Visitors now need pre-travel authorization before flying to or entering the UK.

Here's what you need to know about the new rules and requirements:

Who Must Apply for an ETA

Who needs an ETA? It's more of a visa waiver, so citizens who don't need a visa are the ones that need an ETA.

Is it Per Person or Per Family

Families can not get a joint ETA. Every person needs an ETA, even children and babies. You can apply for other people, however, so one person can submit the applications for all family members.

Do You Need an ETA for a Layover in the UK

Yes, even if you are in the airport for a quick layover, you need an ETA. For almost any transit, you do need an ETA even if you are not leaving the airport. Use the transit form on the UK.gov website to confirm based on your nationality and destination.

Who Does Not Need an ETA

An ETA is for those who do not have/need a visa to enter the UK, so if you are required to have a visa, you do not need an ETA. Also excluded are those with various British or Irish citizenship or live, work or study permissions. See the UK.gov official ETA guidance website for full details.

How To Apply

You have to apply before you enter the country, but you can do it the same day as you travel.

Technically, it can take up to 3 days to get your approval, but users are reporting receiving their approval in 10 minutes. Also, the UK website somewhat confusingly states "If you need to travel soon: You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision".

The fastest way to get your ETA (and preferred by the UK government) is via the UK ETA mobile app. Or you can apply on the UK.gov official ETA web application page.

Download on the App Store Download on Google Play

Application Process and Cost

It takes about 10 minutes on the mobile app, and 20 minutes on the website to complete the application and costs a non-refundable £10 (roughly $12) to apply.

You need to have on hand your actual passport and will need to upload a photo of it as well as a photo of the face of the person applying.
You answer questions about yourself, not about your travel details
You need to pay with a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

You will need to complete your application in one go - you cannot save your progress. If you do not do anything for 20 minutes, the service will time out. Your answers will be deleted and you will need to start again.

You need access to your email. Apparently, the approval can arrive at differing times from others in your group, even if the application was submitted at the same time. But given that current approval times seems lightening fast, I don't think you are in jeopardy of your family getting split.

Once the process is complete, the ETA is digitally linked to your passport, so you don't need to show anything else on arrival to the UK or upon checking into your flight. You can delete the app when you’ve finished applying. Of course, passport control still has final say whether you enter the country or not.

For What Purpose Is an ETA

The highlights are that you can use it for up to a 6 months of tourism entry, visiting family and friends, or business or short-term study, but also that it is required for transiting through the UK – including if you are not going through UK border control according to the UK website.

It's also required for work concession and permitted paid engagement. See the UK.gov official ETA guidance website for full details.

How Long is it Good For

It's good for 2 years with multiple entries, so you can go in and out of the UK on the same ETA for 2 years. It's digitally attached to the specific passport used to acquire it. So if you get a new passport, you need a new ETA. This doesn't mean you can stay in the UK for 2 years though! You are still bound by the limitations of your specific visit such as a 6 month tourism entry.