Countries Requiring UK ETA
Which nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorisation for the UK.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
The UK ETA is required for all visa-exempt nationalities visiting the United Kingdom. This includes citizens of the United States, European Union countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, and many other countries.
From 25 February 2026, you will need a valid UK ETA to board any flight, ferry, or train to the UK. The ETA costs £16 and is valid for 2 years.
UK ETA at a Glance
💷
Cost £16 Per person, all ages
📅
Validity 2 years Multiple entries
⏱️
Max Stay 6 months Per visit
🛂
Mandatory 25 Feb 2026 Required for boarding
EU & EEA Citizens
All 27 EU member states plus EEA/EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) need a UK ETA since Brexit. Irish citizens are exempt due to the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement.
Asia-Pacific
Who Does NOT Need UK ETA
- British citizens — full right of entry
- Irish citizens — Common Travel Area agreement
- UK visa holders — ETA not needed if you have a valid UK visa
- UK residence permit holders — including settled/pre-settled status
- Diplomats and military — on official duty
- Flight crew — on duty
- Airside transit — at Heathrow/Manchester without passing border control
Visa-Required Nationalities
If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you need a UK visa instead of an ETA. The UK ETA is only for nationalities that can currently visit the UK without a visa.
UK ETA Countries FAQs
Do US citizens need a UK ETA?
Yes. US citizens are visa-exempt and need a UK ETA from 25 February 2026. The ETA costs £16 and allows stays up to 6 months per visit.
Do EU citizens need a UK ETA?
Yes. Since Brexit, EU citizens are treated as third-country nationals and need a UK ETA to visit. This includes citizens of all 27 EU member states.
Do Australian citizens need a UK ETA?
Yes. Australian citizens are visa-exempt but need a UK ETA from February 2026. The ETA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries.
Do children need a UK ETA?
Yes. Unlike ETIAS which exempts children from fees, the UK ETA is required for all ages including infants. Each child needs their own ETA at £16.
What if my country isn't listed?
If your country isn't on the visa-exempt list, you likely need a UK visa instead of an ETA. Use the UK government's visa checker or see our UK visa guide.
Do Irish citizens need UK ETA?
No. Irish citizens are exempt due to the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement between the UK and Ireland, which predates the EU.
Last updated: