Is ETA compulsory for children and babies?

Yes, everyone travelling, including babies and children, must obtain an ETA. You can apply for others.

How can citizens with dual British or Irish nationality prove their right to travel without ETA?

Citizens with dual British or Irish nationality can prove their right to travel using : A valid British passport. A valid Irish passport. Another valid passport containing a certificate of right of residence.

If my ETA application is refused, can I still travel to the UK?

If your ETA application is refused, you can apply for a standard visitor visa. It is advisable to apply for a standard visitor visa if you have a criminal record or have previously been refused entry to the UK.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after submitting my ETA request?

No, it is not possible to obtain a refund after submitting your ETA application.

Where can I download the official UK ETA application?

The UK ETA application can be downloaded from theApp Store or on Google Play Store.

What are the payment options for ETA?

Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

What do I need to do for a school trip?

The ETA exemption applies only to school groups travelling from France: pupils aged 18 and under covered by the France-UK School Trip Travel Information Form, filed with the prefecture before departure, do not need one. School groups from any other country get no exemption, and accompanying adults always need an ETA. More information on our dedicated article.

If I travel with a group, do we have to apply for ETA together?

Normally, each person must apply separately via the official website. Decisions can be made at different times, even if the applications are submitted at the same time. At Visamundi, everything can be grouped together.

What happens if my passport expires before the end of the 2-year validity period of the ETA?

Your ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Do I need an ETA if I'm transiting the UK?

The exemption applies only at Heathrow and Manchester, the only UK airports with an international transit area: if you stay airside there — purple “Flight Connections” signs, bags checked through to your final destination — you do not need an ETA. At any other UK airport (Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Birmingham, Edinburgh…), every connecting passenger goes through border control, so an ETA is mandatory — as it is if you have to reclaim your baggage, change airport or stay overnight. This exemption is also a temporary measure kept under review by the Home Office: if it were withdrawn, airside transit passengers would need an ETA too. If in doubt, check with your airline before departure.

What documents are required when traveling alone as a minor?

The minor must hold their own ETA and their own passport. The UK imposes no standard parental consent form, but carriers and Border Force frequently ask for one: its form depends on the minor's country of residence — in France, for example, the autorisation de sortie du territoire signed by a parent or legal guardian, together with a copy of their identity document. Check the rule that applies with the authorities of your own country. The minor must also carry an invitation letter or details of their accommodation in the UK.

Does my ETA cover Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man?

Yes. Since 23 April 2026, the Crown Dependencies — Jersey, Guernsey (including Alderney and Sark) and the Isle of Man — have joined the ETA scheme, which the UK operates on their behalf. A single ETA covers the United Kingdom and those three territories: if you already hold a valid ETA you do not need to apply for a new one to travel there, and vice versa. Applications are made through the same official portal. Travel with the passport you used to apply.

I am exempt from the ETA because I live in the UK — what do I show to board?

Your UK immigration permission is now entirely digital: it is an eVisa, viewable in your UKVI account. Before every trip, check that the passport you are travelling with is linked to your UKVI account; otherwise the carrier cannot verify your status and may deny you boarding, even though your permission is valid. Expired biometric residence permits (BRPs) can still be used until 31 December 2026 to access your account or generate a share code, but they are not a travel document.

United Kingdom: Travel authorization

01 · The essentials

The UK ETA: a travel authorisation, not a visa

100% online

Regardless of the option chosen, the ETA application is completed entirely online — no visit to an embassy, no need to send your passport.

Valid passport

Your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in the United Kingdom. Unlike the Schengen area, UK authorities do not require a 6-month margin after arrival.

Easy process

The procedure is considered straightforward, but each document must strictly meet the requirements of the British authorities.

ETA application form for the United Kingdom — The ETA application is completed entirely online, before departure.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new system put in place by the British government. Its aim: to strengthen border security while facilitating travel for visa-exempt visitors. The ETA is not a traditional visa: it is an electronic authorisation linked to your passport in the UK's computer systems, automatically verified during boarding and on arrival.

Unlike a conventional visa, you do not need to visit an embassy or send your passport by post. Everything is done online, in a few minutes, from anywhere in the world. The ETA is then electronically associated with your passport: no stamp, no sticker. British authorities check it directly in their systems when you pass through customs.

This system draws directly from the American ESTA (United States) and the Canadian eTA. The ETIAS, its European equivalent, is not live yet: in July 2026 the European Union dropped the end-of-2026 target it had been advertising and will announce the launch date several months in advance. These systems share the same logic: pre-authorising visa-exempt travellers before their arrival, for security and flow-management reasons.

Official name: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Nature of document: Electronic travel authorisation (≠ visa)
Validity: 2 years or until passport expiry (whichever comes first)
Maximum stay duration: 6 months per stay
Number of entries: Multiple entries permitted
Consular fee: 20 GBP €23.57
Usual processing time: Automatic decision within minutes in most cases; up to 3 working days officially
Territory covered: United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) + Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man since 23 April 2026

Good to know

The ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, but only until your passport's expiry date if that occurs earlier. If you renew your passport, you will need to obtain a new ETA linked to the new document.

02 · Eligibility

Who needs an ETA? Who is exempt?

The obligation to obtain an ETA applies to nationals of countries that do not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom, but who will now need this electronic authorisation before any trip. The rollout was phased:

From 8 January 2025: citizens of around fifty non-European countries — including Australia, Canada, the United States, Japan, Singapore, Israel, Brazil and many Pacific and Caribbean countries — must hold an ETA.
From 2 April 2025: all European citizens became subject to the ETA in turn (applications opened as early as 5 March 2025). Since 25 February 2026, this requirement has been strictly enforced at boarding, regardless of the traveller's nationality.

European countries affected include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Norway, as well as the micro-states (Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Vatican). In total, every visa-exempt nationality now falls under the ETA, for the United Kingdom as well as for the Crown Dependencies. As the official list changes over time, check your nationality before each trip.

British and Irish citizens

British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA to enter the United Kingdom. They travel with their national passport.

UK residents

People who have the right to live, work or study in the United Kingdom — including holders of settled or pre-settled status (EU Settlement Scheme) — are exempt from the ETA. They must, however, be able to prove that right through their eVisa (see the box below).

Holders of a valid UK visa

If you already hold a valid UK visa, you do not need an ETA. An ETA is only required in the absence of a visa.

School trips

Pupils aged 18 and under travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form, as part of an organised school trip, are exempt from the ETA. This joint French-British scheme replaces both the ETA and the individual passport for these groups.

Other exemptions

Also exempt from the ETA: holders of a British overseas territories citizen passport or a British National (Overseas) passport; people with the right of abode in the UK; holders of permission to live, work or study in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man; people exempt from immigration control; and those awaiting a decision on their EU Settlement Scheme application.

Criterion	France – UK	Germany – UK
In force since	2024, as a transitional measure	1 August 2026 (Kensington Treaty)
Eligible pupils	Groups of 5 pupils or more, aged 18 and under, studying at a school registered with the French Ministry of Education	Groups of 5 pupils or more, aged 19 and under, studying at a recognised German school
Visa / ETA	Neither, whatever the pupil's nationality	Neither, whatever the pupil's nationality
Travel document	Passport; national ID card accepted for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens	Passport; national ID card accepted for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
Mandatory formality	Form completed by the head teacher and validated by the prefecture at least 15 days before departure; 2 copies presented at the border	Form completed by the head teacher and validated by the competent municipal authority at least 15 days before departure; 2 copies presented at the border
Accompanying adults	Not exempt: ETA or visa according to their nationality	Not exempt: ETA or visa according to their nationality

The only two arrangements that exempt a school group from the ETA.

Transit special case: if you are transiting through a British airport (Heathrow, Manchester…) without going through border control — that is, following the purple 'Flight Connections' signs — you do not need an ETA. Be aware, though, that this exemption is a temporary measure kept under review by the Home Office — if it were withdrawn, airside transit passengers would also need an ETA. However, if your transit requires passing through border control, the ETA is mandatory. Check with your airline before departure.

Geographical special cases: travellers residing in Ireland and travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man are exempt — but from the age of 16 they must show an original, currently valid document issued by the Irish government proving that residence (Irish driving licence or learner permit, medical card, GP visit card, European Health Insurance Card, Irish Residence Permit, Permanent Residence Certificate, National Age Card or diplomatic identity card). Under-16s do not need to bring proof. Since 23 April 2026, the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney…) and the Isle of Man have joined the UK ETA scheme: applications are made through the same portal as the UK ETA, and a single authorisation covers these territories as well as the UK. If you already hold a valid ETA, you do not need to apply for a new one to visit these islands.

Exempt from the ETA because you hold UK permission? Check your eVisa

If you are exempt from the ETA because you hold a UK visa or the right to stay in the UK, your status is now entirely digital: it takes the form of an eVisa accessible through your UKVI account. Before every trip, make sure that the passport you are travelling with is linked to that account: if it is not, the airline, rail or ferry operator cannot verify your permission and may deny you boarding, even though your right to stay remains valid. Expired biometric residence permits (BRPs) can still be used to sign in to your account or generate a share code for 24 months after the expiry date printed on the card, and until 31 December 2026 at the latest. They are not valid as a travel document, and are accepted neither for right to work or right to rent checks nor for EU Settlement Scheme purposes.

Dual British or Irish nationality

If you are a dual national holding British or Irish citizenship, you cannot get an ETA: your citizenship must be proven at boarding and at the border. Three documents are accepted — a valid British passport, another valid passport together with a Certificate of Entitlement proving the right of abode, or a valid Irish passport. You may also travel on another type of UK permission, for example status obtained through the EU Settlement Scheme. This rule applies to every dual nationality, not only French-British.

03 · What the ETA allows

Permitted travel purposes — and limitations to be aware of

The ETA covers a wide range of reasons for staying, provided the stay remains under 6 months. It is designed for temporary visitors, not for people wishing to settle in the United Kingdom.

Permitted with the ETA

Tourism: Cultural visits, exploring the country, holidays
Family or social visits: Visiting relatives or friends residing in the United Kingdom
Business: Meetings, conferences, professional events
Short-term study: Courses or training lasting less than 6 months
Transit (with border crossing): If you pass through border control
Medical treatment: Short-term medical care
Permitted paid engagement: Invited and paid expert work, lecture or performance, arranged before departure
Volunteering: Up to 30 days with a charity registered in the United Kingdom
Creative Worker concession: Up to 3 months for eligible creative-sector professionals

Not permitted with the ETA

Work for a UK employer: No employed or self-employed activity, other than a permitted paid engagement or the Creative Worker concession
Stay exceeding 6 months: Each stay is limited to a maximum of 6 months
Permanent residence: The ETA does not allow settlement in the United Kingdom
Social benefits: No access to public funds or allowances
Marriage or civil partnership: A specific marriage visa is required
Long-term study: Beyond the short-term period, a Student Visa is required

Please note

Minors travelling alone need their own ETA — babies and children are not exempt. In addition to the ETA and passport, most countries of residence require a parental exit authorisation signed by a parent or legal guardian, together with a copy of their identity document: check the exact form required by your own country (in France, the AST form). The minor must also carry an invitation letter or details of their accommodation in the United Kingdom.

04 · The procedure

How to apply for your ETA, step by step

1
Check your eligibility
Make sure your nationality is among the countries subject to the ETA (and not among those requiring a full visa). Also verify that you are not in one of the exempt categories (UK residents, visa holders, etc.).
2
Gather the required documents
Prepare the passport you will travel with (valid for the entire duration of your stay, in good condition and with the machine-readable zone intact), a valid email address, a payment method and your personal information. A photo of the applicant's face is taken during the application — with the phone camera in the official app, or uploaded with the online form — and must follow the UK rules for digital photos of faces: a non-compliant photo delays or gets the application rejected.
3
Complete the application online or in the app
The official application can be made either through the online form or through the 'UK ETA' mobile app, which scans the passport and the face with the phone camera. Neither channel gives a faster decision than the other. Fill in the application with accurate and complete information. You will need to indicate any other nationalities you hold, your employment situation and answer questions relating to your criminal record and security matters.
4
Pay the processing fee
Pay the consular fee of 20 GBP €23.57 as well as any applicable service fees. Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
5
Submit and await the decision
Carefully check all information before confirming. The UK government states that you will usually get a decision by email within a day, but that it can take up to 3 working days. Do not travel before you receive the confirmation email: submitting the application at least 72 hours before departure is recommended. People applied for together may get their decisions at different times.

Documents to prepare for your application

Valid passportValid for the entire duration of your stay, in good condition and with the MRZ (machine-readable zone) intact. The UK authorities require neither a blank page nor 6 months of residual validity.
High-definition colour copy of the passport information pageScan or clear photo, without reflections or shadows.
Recent identity photoTaken during the application (phone camera in the official app) or uploaded with the online form. Face fully uncovered, no sunglasses or headwear (except for religious or medical reasons), in line with the UK rules for digital photos of faces.
Home address, phone number and valid emailFor official communications relating to your application.
Information about your employment situationJob title and employer if you are currently employed.
Answers to security questionsCriminal record, any other nationalities, questions relating to terrorism and serious crimes.

Beware of fraudulent websites

Unofficial websites impersonate government agencies to charge exorbitant fees or collect your personal data for fraudulent purposes. Always check the website address before entering your information and making a payment. Use a trusted service provider who will guide you through every step of the process.

05 · Fees & timescales

ETA cost and processing times

The official ETA fee is 20 GBP €23.57 at the current exchange rate. This amount corresponds to the consular fees required by the British government. In addition to this fee, service charges from the chosen provider may apply.

This fee reflects the increase decided by the British government, effective 8 April 2026: the ETA rose from 16 GBP to 20 GBP €23.57. It remains advisable to check the current amount at the time of your application.

Regarding timescales, the UK government states that a decision arrives by email usually within a day, and up to 3 working days at most. Some applications require closer examination; if you have had no answer after 3 working days, check your spam folder before contacting UK Visas and Immigration. To travel with peace of mind, submit your application at least 72 hours before departure. If your application is refused and you wish to appeal or seek an alternative, additional time will be needed.

Important

The ETA application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused or if you change your mind after submission. Make sure to carefully verify all information before confirming your application.

In case of refusal: if your ETA is refused, you can apply for a standard visitor visa at a British embassy or consulate. This route is also recommended if you have a criminal record or if entry to the United Kingdom has previously been refused to you.

06 · Before you leave

Preparing your trip to the United Kingdom: practical advice

Obtaining your ETA is the first step, but a smooth trip to the United Kingdom also requires a few additional preparations. British customs authorities may ask, at arrival control, for supporting documents attesting to the purpose and conditions of your stay. It is best to have them to hand.

Means of subsistence

Be prepared to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay: recent bank statements, credit card, cash. Customs officers may ask for this.

Accommodation

Have to hand the details of your hotel, accommodation or host. A booking confirmation or an invitation letter (for visits to relatives) may be requested.

Return or onward ticket

A transport ticket confirms your intention to leave British territory before the expiry of your authorised stay. You may be required to present it at the border.

Matching passport and ETA

Make sure to travel with the passport to which your ETA is linked. If you have renewed your passport since obtaining your ETA, the ETA is no longer valid: you must apply for a new one.

Checklist before boarding

Valid ETA linked to the passport you are carryingCheck the expiry date and the associated passport number.
Passport valid for the entire duration of the stayThe expiry date must be after your return date.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking confirmation, invitation letter or host's address.
Proof of financial resourcesRecent bank statement, credit card or equivalent.
Return or onward ticketConfirms your intention to leave the United Kingdom before the end of the authorised stay.
Parental consent for minors travelling aloneWritten parental consent, in the form required by the minor's country of residence (in France, the autorisation de sortie du territoire signed by a parent or legal guardian), accompanied by a copy of the signatory's identity document.
Emergency contact detailsPhone number and address of a contact reachable in the United Kingdom or in your country of residence.

Key takeaways

The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation — not a visa — reserved for visa-exempt nationals. It is valid for 2 years, permits multiple entries and allows stays of up to 6 months. Since 23 April 2026, a single ETA covers the United Kingdom, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It has been mandatory for European citizens since 2 April 2025, with strict enforcement at boarding in place since 25 February 2026 for all travellers. The procedure is entirely online, through the UK ETA app or the portal's form, and quick (an automatic decision within minutes in most cases, officially up to 3 working days) and the consular fee is 20 GBP €23.57. The complexity lies less in the process itself than in the rigour required: each document must strictly meet the requirements of the British authorities.

Get your United Kingdom travel authorization online

Available travel documents

ETA Mainland

ETA Guernsey

ETA Isle of Man

ETA Jersey

The UK ETA: a travel authorisation, not a visa

Who needs an ETA? Who is exempt?

Permitted travel purposes — and limitations to be aware of

How to apply for your ETA, step by step

ETA cost and processing times

Preparing your trip to the United Kingdom: practical advice

Specifics

Jersey

Guernsey

Isle of Man

Travel advisories for United Kingdom

Frequently asked questions