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Visamundi service: €39 incl. VAT
Consular fee: 20 GBP
Travel authorizationVisamundi service: €39 incl. VAT
Consular fee: 20 GBP
Travel authorizationVisamundi service: €39 incl. VAT
Consular fee: 20 GBP
Travel authorizationVisamundi service: €39 incl. VAT
Consular fee: 20 GBP
Travel authorizationSince 2024, the United Kingdom has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-exempt nationals wishing to travel to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. This system — similar in principle to the American ESTA or the European ETIAS — is entirely digital, linked to your passport and valid for two years. For European citizens, the ETA has been mandatory since 25 February 2026. Although the process is quick, each document must precisely meet the requirements of the British authorities.
01 · The essentials
Regardless of the option chosen, the ETA application is completed entirely online — no visit to an embassy, no need to send your passport.
For all options, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended arrival date in the United Kingdom.
The procedure is considered straightforward, but each document must strictly meet the requirements of the British authorities.
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 expected to come into force shortly in the Schengen area. These systems share the same logic: pre-authorising visa-exempt travellers before their arrival, for security and flow-management reasons.
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
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:
European countries affected include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Norway, as well as micro-states (Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Vatican).
British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA to enter the United Kingdom. They travel with their national passport.
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.
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.
Pupils aged 18 and under participating in an organised school trip are exempt from the ETA. The French and British governments have put in place a simplified procedure for these groups.
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 generally do not need an ETA. However, if your transit requires passing through border control, the ETA becomes mandatory. It is recommended to 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. For the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney…), an ETA specific to each island is planned from 23 April 2026.
Since 2026, dual nationals (for example French-British) must present their valid British passport or a digital Certificate of Entitlement to enter the United Kingdom. An ETA is not required in this case, but proof of status must be provided.
03 · What the ETA allows
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.
Minors travelling alone need their own ETA. In addition to the ETA and passport, a parental consent letter (autorisation de sortie du territoire) signed by a parent or legal guardian is generally required for French minor citizens. The minor must also carry an invitation letter or details of their accommodation in the United Kingdom.
04 · The procedure
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.).
Prepare your valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after your intended arrival date, in good condition, with at least one blank page and the machine-readable zone intact), a recent identity photo (taken within the last 6 months, plain light background, face fully visible, JPEG format minimum 600×400 pixels) and your personal information (address, phone number, email).
Fill in the application form 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.
Pay the consular fee of 16 GBP as well as any applicable service fees. Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Carefully check all information before confirming. In the vast majority of cases, the ETA is issued within 24 hours. However, it is recommended to submit the application at least 72 hours before departure to avoid any last-minute issues. Occasionally, processing may take more than 3 business days.
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
The official ETA fee is 16 GBP — approximately 18 € 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.
Note that the British government has announced a fee increase planned for April 2026. It is therefore recommended to check the current amount at the time of your application.
Regarding timescales, the vast majority of applications are processed in less than 24 hours. However, some applications may require more detailed examination and take more than 3 business days. 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. It has been mandatory for European citizens since 25 February 2026. The procedure is entirely online, quick (response generally within 24 hours) and the consular fee is 16 GBP. The complexity lies less in the process itself than in the rigour required: each document must strictly meet the requirements of the British authorities.
Jersey is neither in the UK nor the EU: it is a Crown Dependency and part of the Common Travel Area (CTA).
Its visa policy mirrors the UK's. Visa-waiver nationals now fall under the UK ETA, which also covers Jersey — there is no separate island authorisation to apply for. Anyone who needs a UK visa needs one for Jersey. However, Jersey runs its own customs and tax regime (outside UK VAT), so duty-free allowances differ. There is no immigration control between mainland Britain and Jersey within the CTA, but keep valid ID for boarding.
The Bailiwick of Guernsey (with Alderney and Sark) is a Crown Dependency, outside the UK and the EU, within the Common Travel Area.
For entry, the rule follows the UK: visa-waiver travellers fall under the UK ETA, valid for Guernsey too; those needing a UK visa need one for the island as well. No separate local authorisation. Guernsey keeps its own tax and customs regime (outside UK VAT), with distinct allowances. Within the CTA there is no immigration control from mainland Britain, but carriers still require valid ID at boarding.
The Isle of Man is a Crown Dependency, outside the UK and the EU, and part of the Common Travel Area.
Entry formalities follow the UK's: the UK ETA applies to visa-waiver nationals and covers the Isle of Man; nationalities that need a UK visa still do here. There is no separate Manx visa. The island does run its own customs and tax system, hence specific allowances. Within the CTA there is no immigration control from mainland Britain or Ireland, but bring valid ID, which carriers require.
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