

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
What's on this page
Fast facts
What is an ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement that grants permission to travel to the UK, including Northern Ireland. Everyone including children who enter or transit through the UK, including Northern Ireland, must apply. However, you don’t need an ETA if you’re a British or Irish citizen. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport.
Is the ETA a visa?
No, the ETA is not a visa. All other entry requirements into the UK, including Northern Ireland, will remain unchanged. Find out more information on passports and visa requirements.


Glenariff, County Antrim
ETA requirements
Who needs an ETA?
- Eligible non-European visitors need an ETA to travel to the UK, including into Northern Ireland.
- From 2 April 2025: eligible European visitors will also need an ETA. They can apply from 5 March 2025
You need an ETA if you are visiting the UK, including Northern Ireland, for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study. Find out more about UK entry requirements.
Who doesn’t need an ETA?
British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
Legal residents of Ireland, from a nationality that does not usually need a visa to visit the UK (eg European and US nationals), do not need an ETA when traveling within the Common Travel Area (CTA). You may be required to show proof of legal residency.
See full guidance at GOV.UK where you will also find a full list of ETA eligible nationalities.
You also don’t need an ETA if you have:
- Permission to live, work or study in the UK
- A visa to enter the UK
- A British overseas territories passport


Cuilcagh Boardwalk, County Fermanagh
Applying for an ETA
How do I apply for an ETA?
Applying for an ETA is quick and simple.
Most applicants get an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app, which means spontaneous trips to the UK are still possible.
If you wish to apply online, you can use the UK ETA app or apply online at GOV.UK.
Each traveller (including children and babies) must have their own ETA, and you can apply on behalf of others.
- Download the UK ETA app on the App Store
- Download the UK ETA app on Google Play
- Guide for using the UK ETA app
What do I need to apply for an ETA?
You need:
- the passport you’ll travel with – not a photocopy or digital passport. EU ID cards are not accepted
- access to your emails
- a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
- photos of the passport and of the face of the person applying
You do not need to enter your travel details.
When should I apply for an ETA?
Most applicants get an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app but you are advised to allow three working days for a decision on your application. This is to take account of the small number of cases which may need further review.
How much will an ETA cost?
An ETA will cost £10 per person. You cannot get a refund after you apply.
How will I receive my ETA?
You’ll get an email confirmation if your application has been approved and your ETA will be linked electronically to the passport you applied with. You must use the same passport to travel.
When will my ETA expire?
Your ETA will be valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever is sooner. Within that time, it will allow multiple journeys to the UK, including Northern Ireland.
How does the ETA affect travel across the Ireland-Northern Ireland border?
People arriving in the UK, including those travelling from Ireland into Northern Ireland, need to enter in line with the UK’s immigration framework, including obtaining an ETA if required.
This includes those travelling from Ireland into Northern Ireland for day trips or trips of up six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study.
Do residents of Ireland need an ETA?
Legal residents of Ireland, from a nationality that does not usually need a visa to visit the UK (eg European and US nationals), do not need an ETA when traveling within the Common Travel Area (CTA), if they can show proof of legal residency.
Children under 16 do not need documentation to prove this exemption.
What’s the difference between an ETA and a visa?
- ETA: for short visits (up to 6 months) and some business trips.
- Visa: required for stays longer than 6 months or certain activities (e.g. work or study). Use the visa-checking tool on GOV.UK to determine your needs.