How much does a UK ETA cost?

£20 per person, since 8 April 2026 (it was £16 from 9 April 2025, and £10 at launch). Babies and children pay the same. The fee is not refunded if the application is refused. Anything above £20 per person is an agency's service charge.

Do US citizens need a UK ETA?

Yes. Since 25 February 2026 airlines refuse boarding to US citizens visiting the UK without an ETA or a visa. It costs £20, lasts 2 years and covers visits of up to 6 months.

Do Canadians and Australians need a UK ETA?

Yes, both are on the ETA list. Same rules: £20, 2 years, apply in the UK ETA app or on GOV.UK.

What is the official UK ETA website?

GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/eta, or the "UK ETA" app published by the Home Office on Google Play and the App Store. GOV.UK itself warns: "Other websites may charge more to apply. Avoid websites that imitate government services."

How long does a UK ETA take?

GOV.UK: "You'll usually get a decision by email within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days." The Home Office says most applicants get an automatic decision within minutes, but still recommends allowing 3 working days.

How do I check my UK ETA status or expiry date?

On GOV.UK's Check your ETA service. You can see whether you have one and when it expires. Keep the 16-digit reference from the approval email.

Do I need an ETA to change planes at Heathrow?

Only if you go through UK border control between the two flights (landside). If you stay airside, no. Ask your airline if you are unsure.

I am a dual British citizen. Can I use an ETA?

No. Dual British or Irish citizens cannot get an ETA: travel on a valid British or Irish passport, or on your other passport with a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode (now digital).

UK ETA: £20 per person, and who needs one

The Electronic Travel Authorisation is the UK's permission to travel for visitors who do not need a visa. It is mandatory: since 25 February 2026, carriers (airlines, ferries, trains) refuse to board visitors of the 83 nationalities concerned who have neither an ETA nor a visa.

Check your family's total in the checker, or read on.

What it costs

£20 per person, whatever the age. A family of four pays £80. The fee is paid by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay when you apply, and it is not refunded if the ETA is refused or if you made a mistake and must apply again.

From	Fee	Source
October 2023 (launch)	£10	Home Office fees table
9 April 2025	£16	Fees table, 9 April 2025
8 April 2026	£20	Fees table, 8 April 2026

Home Office fees usually change in April.

Who needs a UK ETA

Visitors from these 83 countries and territories, for tourism, family visits, business or study of up to 6 months (list on GOV.UK, updated 9 April 2026):

Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hong Kong (HKSAR passport)
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao (MSAR passport)
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tonga
Tuvalu
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uruguay
Vatican City

Taiwan passports qualify only if they include the identification card number. Every other nationality needs a visa and cannot get an ETA.

Who does not

British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens (who must use their British or Irish passport).
Holders of a UK visa, or permission to live, work or study in the UK, including settled and pre-settled status.
People who live in Ireland and arrive from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man (with an Irish document proving residence if 16 or over).
Transit passengers who stay airside.
Children on the France–UK school trip travel information form.

For US, Canadian and Australian travellers

Nothing special: same £20, same app. The practical traps are elsewhere:

The passport you apply with is the one you must travel with. Renewing your passport cancels the link: apply again.
One ETA per person, including a baby on your lap. In the app you can apply for someone who is with you; for someone who is not, use the online form with a photo of their passport and face.
Connecting through London to Europe? If your connection involves collecting bags or changing airports (Heathrow to Gatwick), you pass border control and need an ETA.
Criminal record or past refusal: GOV.UK suggests applying for a Standard Visitor visa instead, because an ETA does not guarantee entry.

How to apply

Download the UK ETA app (Home Office) or open gov.uk/eta/apply.
Scan or photograph the passport, then take a photo of the traveller's face.
Answer the questions on criminal convictions and immigration history, then pay £20.
Wait for the email with the 16-digit ETA reference before travelling. Nothing is stuck in your passport: the ETA is linked to it electronically.

You cannot get a faster decision through another website: GOV.UK says so explicitly. If you paid more than £20, read what to do after paying an agency.

How long it lasts

Two years, or until the passport expires if that comes first, for as many trips as you like. Each visit can last up to 6 months. Set an expiry reminder in your calendar: it takes a date, nothing else.