UK ETA for Small Nations & Micro-States 2026 — The Complete Guide for Less-Covered Nationalities
All the nations covered in this guide are ETA-eligible — from European micro-states like Andorra , Monaco , San Marino and Liechtenstein , to Pacific island nations like Kiribati , Palau and Tuvalu , Caribbean states like Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada , Indian Ocean islands like Maldives , Seychelles and Mauritius , and others including Iceland , Guyana and Belize .
Apply directly here: application-eta.uk — Apply Now. Government fee £20 plus our handling fee. Valid 2 years. Most applications approved within minutes.
| 30+ Nations | 5 Categories | £20 + fee | ~97% |
|---|---|---|---|
| All covered in this guide Micro-states to island nations |
European · Pacific · Caribbean Indian Ocean · Other |
Government fee Plus our handling fee |
Approval rate First-time applicants |
The UK ETA’s 85 eligible nationalities include many countries that rarely appear in dedicated guides — the Pacific island nations whose residents must make extraordinary journeys to reach London, the European micro-states whose passports are among the world’s rarest, the Caribbean islands with deep historical connections to Britain, and the Indian Ocean archipelagos where the ETA has simplified access to the UK’s thriving diaspora communities.
This guide covers every smaller, less-documented ETA-eligible nationality in the scheme — the ones not covered in our dedicated regional guides for Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, GCC Arab countries or Latin America. For each, we provide country-specific context, the practical travel realities, and any unique ETA considerations that apply.
- European Micro-States: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein
- Iceland — ETA Guide
- Pacific Island Nations: Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu
- Caribbean Small States: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines
- Indian Ocean Islands: Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles
- Other Nations: Brunei, Guyana, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan
- Practical ETA Considerations for Small-Nation Travellers
- How to Apply: Step by Step
- Frequently Asked Questions
Whatever Your Nation — If It’s on the List, Apply Now.
One application, £20 government fee plus our handling fee, 2 years validity, unlimited UK trips. Expert review included. Most applications approved in minutes.
1. European Micro-States: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino & Liechtenstein
Andorra
Pop. ~77,000
✓ ETA eligibleMonaco
Pop. ~36,000
✓ ETA eligibleSan Marino
Pop. ~34,000
✓ ETA eligibleLiechtenstein
Pop. ~38,000
✓ ETA eligibleAndorra (Principat d’Andorra) — ETA at a Glance
- Population: ~77,000 — a co-principality between France and Spain in the Pyrenees
- ETA eligible since: 2 April 2025 (included in EU/EEA wave despite not being an EU member)
- Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (Andorra uses EUR — approximately €23)
- Passport note: Andorra issues its own biometric passports (passaport andorrà). Many Andorrans also hold Spanish or French citizenship — those passports are equally ETA-eligible.
- No airport: Andorra has no commercial airport. All air travel departs from Barcelona El Prat (BCN), Toulouse Blagnac (TLS) or Girona (GRO). ETA check occurs at the departure airport, not in Andorra.
- Tax haven profile: Andorra’s low-tax economy attracts business travellers and wealthy residents — UK business travel is primarily retail, luxury goods and financial services.
Andorra is a small landlocked co-principality with no EU membership but significant economic integration with both France and Spain. Its citizens — just 77,000 of them, alongside roughly 30,000 non-Andorran residents — travel to the UK primarily for tourism (London’s luxury retail scene, cultural events) and business. Given Andorra’s position as a tax haven with duty-free shopping, a small number of Andorran business operators travel to London for trade and retail industry purposes. Most Andorrans also hold French or Spanish nationality, meaning their ETA may be applied on any of their eligible passports — simply apply on the passport you intend to travel with.
Monaco (Principauté de Monaco) — ETA at a Glance
- Population: ~36,000 — world’s second smallest sovereign state by area; most densely populated country in the world
- ETA eligible since: 2 April 2025
- Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (Monaco uses EUR — approximately €23)
- Passport note: Monaco issues its own passport (passeport monégasque) to its ~9,000 citizens. The remaining ~27,000 Monaco residents are primarily French, Italian, British and other nationals holding their own home-country passports.
- No airport: Monaco has no airport. Nearest is Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE) — approximately 30 minutes by road or helicopter. ETA check occurs at Nice Airport.
- Travel profile: Monégasque nationals and Monaco residents visiting the UK are overwhelmingly high-net-worth individuals — private banking, luxury real estate, Formula 1 connections (Monaco GP), and cultural events.
Monaco’s ETA applicants are a tiny, ultra-high-net-worth cohort. The principality’s ~9,000 genuine citizens travel to London for private banking, property acquisition, luxury events including Chelsea Flower Show and Wimbledon, and Formula 1 industry connections (Monaco GP week creates UK-Monaco business travel both ways). The large residential community of non-Monégasque nationals living in Monaco — estimated at 27,000 — travel on their own home-country passports and apply for ETAs based on those nationalities. British nationals resident in Monaco are exempt from the ETA on their British passports.
San Marino (Repubblica di San Marino) — ETA at a Glance
- Population: ~34,000 — world’s oldest republic (301 AD); landlocked within Italy
- ETA eligible since: 2 April 2025
- Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (San Marino uses EUR)
- Passport note: San Marino issues its own passport (passaporto sammarinese). Many Sammarinesi also hold Italian nationality — Italian passports are equally ETA-eligible.
- No airport: San Marino has no airport. Nearest is Federico Fellini Airport Rimini (RMI) — approximately 30 minutes — or Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ) — approximately 1.5 hours. ETA check occurs at the departure airport.
- Special status: San Marino is not an EU member but has a customs union with Italy and uses the euro. It was included in the April 2025 ETA expansion alongside EU states.
San Marino’s 34,000 citizens — who have maintained their own republic since 301 AD within Italian territory — travel to the UK primarily for tourism and specialist business. The republic’s economy is based on tourism, banking, electronics and ceramics; UK trade connections exist particularly in financial services given San Marino’s status as a low-tax jurisdiction. Most Sammarinesi also hold Italian passports, making ETA eligibility and the application process identical to that of Italian nationals. Apply on whichever eligible passport you intend to present at check-in.
Liechtenstein (Fürstentum Liechtenstein) — ETA at a Glance
- Population: ~38,000 — doubly landlocked between Switzerland and Austria; EEA member
- ETA eligible since: 2 April 2025 (EEA member — included alongside Norway, Iceland)
- Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (Liechtenstein uses CHF — approximately 25 CHF)
- Passport note: Liechtenstein issues its own passport (liechtensteinischer Reisepass). As an EEA member, Liechtenstein citizens have full Schengen rights but are not EU members.
- No airport: Liechtenstein has no airport. Nearest are Zürich (ZRH) — approximately 1.5 hours — and Friedrichshafen (FDH) — approximately 1 hour. ETA check occurs at the departure airport.
- Financial centre: Liechtenstein is a major private banking and wealth management centre; London–Liechtenstein financial sector links are significant relative to the tiny population.
Liechtenstein is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world (alongside Uzbekistan) and has one of the world’s highest GDPs per capita. Its financial sector — private banking, asset management, and a large number of foundations and investment vehicles — creates meaningful UK business travel. London’s legal and financial sector maintains relationships with Liechtenstein wealth management institutions. The principality is also an EEA member, meaning its citizens hold free movement rights across Schengen but are subject to the UK ETA requirement post-Brexit, exactly as Norwegian and Icelandic citizens are.
2. Iceland — ETA Guide
Iceland (Ísland) — ETA at a Glance
- Population: ~370,000 — North Atlantic island nation; EEA member, not EU
- ETA eligible since: 2 April 2025 (EEA member — same wave as Norway, Liechtenstein)
- Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (approximately 2,900 ISK at current rates)
- Passport required: Valid Icelandic biometric passport. Icelandic ID cards are NOT accepted for UK entry.
- Key air routes: Reykjavik Keflavík International (KEF) – London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted — Icelandair (hub at KEF), British Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air
- UK Icelandic community: Small but established — approximately 10,000–15,000 Icelandic nationals in the UK
- Special relationship: The 2008 financial crisis created a contested period in Iceland-UK relations (the Icesave dispute), now resolved. Relations are now strong with significant UK-Iceland bilateral trade.
Iceland and the UK: History, Aurora Borealis and the EEA Connection
Iceland’s relationship with the United Kingdom is shaped by geographic proximity, shared North Atlantic heritage, and the Icesave banking crisis of 2008 — a dispute now resolved but one that tested bilateral relations significantly. Today, Iceland is a growing UK tourism source market (Icelandic visitors to London appreciate the cultural contrast with their home country’s extraordinary landscapes) and the Reykjavík–London corridor is among Icelandair’s most commercially important routes. Iceland’s status as an EEA member — but not an EU member — mirrors that of Norway and Liechtenstein: the same Brexit-driven ETA requirement applies, for the same reasons.
Iceland as a UK Transit Hub: The Reverse Flow
An interesting dimension of the Iceland-UK relationship is Iceland’s role as a transit hub. Icelandair has long operated a “stopover” model — encouraging North American passengers to break their transatlantic journey in Iceland for 1–7 nights. Many of these passengers are US, Canadian or other ETA-eligible nationals transiting through Iceland on their way to or from the UK. Icelandic nationals themselves travelling to the UK on domestic routes do so directly from Keflavík. The ETA check for Icelandic nationals occurs at Keflavík before boarding.
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) operates direct services to London Heathrow (Icelandair, British Airways), Gatwick (easyJet, Wizz Air) and Stansted. Flight time from Reykjavík to London is approximately 3 hours. The Flybus connects Keflavík to Reykjavík BSÍ bus terminal in approximately 45 minutes. A planned rail link between Keflavík and central Reykjavík was under development as of 2026.
3. Pacific Island Nations
Kiribati
Pop. ~120,000
✓ ETA eligibleMarshall Islands
Pop. ~42,000
✓ ETA eligibleMicronesia
Pop. ~115,000
✓ ETA eligiblePalau
Pop. ~18,000
✓ ETA eligiblePapua New Guinea
Pop. ~10.3M
✓ ETA eligibleSamoa
Pop. ~220,000
✓ ETA eligibleSolomon Islands
Pop. ~720,000
✓ ETA eligibleTonga
Pop. ~100,000
✓ ETA eligibleTuvalu
Pop. ~11,000
✓ ETA eligibleFor citizens of Pacific island nations, travelling to the United Kingdom involves some of the longest and most complex journeys in the world. Tuvalu — home to just 11,000 people — is roughly 15,000 km from London. Kiribati, which spans the International Date Line, is the easternmost nation in the Pacific. For travellers from all nine Pacific nations covered here, reaching the UK requires multiple connections — typically through Auckland, Sydney, Nadi (Fiji), Tokyo, Singapore or Honolulu — before a long-haul flight to London. The ETA check occurs at the last departure airport before the UK-bound flight, not in the Pacific island of origin. Apply for your ETA well in advance of your entire journey, not just the London leg.
Kiribati — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (approximately 45 AUD equivalent)
Kiribati (pronounced “Kiribas”) spans the equator across 33 atolls and is facing existential threat from rising sea levels. The small UK-Kiribati community — primarily in Australian and New Zealand cities with onward UK connections — travels via Fiji (FJ), Nadi, or Auckland. No direct Pacific–London routing exists. Apply for ETA before beginning the multi-day journey. Commonwealth member.
Marshall Islands — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (approximately $25 USD)
The Marshall Islands — famous as the site of US nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll — have a Compact of Free Association with the United States. Marshall Islanders are visa-exempt in the US but need a UK ETA for UK travel. Most connections to London route via Honolulu, Los Angeles or Tokyo. US transit does not require a separate US visa for Marshall Islanders due to CFA status.
Federated States of Micronesia — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$25 USD)
The FSM — four island states spread across the Western Pacific — also has a Compact of Free Association with the United States. FSM citizens can live and work in the US without a visa, which simplifies US transit for UK-bound travel. Connections to London route via Guam, Honolulu or Manila. A small FSM diaspora exists in Hawaii and Guam, from where UK connections are available.
Palau — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$25 USD)
Palau is one of the world’s youngest nations (independent 1994) and among its smallest. Known internationally for its extraordinary marine biodiversity and diving. Palau has a Compact of Free Association with the US. UK connections route via Manila, Tokyo, Guam or Honolulu. The UK has modest bilateral relations with Palau through Commonwealth of Nations-adjacent Pacific Forum channels.
Papua New Guinea — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (approximately 85 PGK)
Papua New Guinea is the Pacific’s largest nation by population (~10.3 million) and the most diverse linguistically (800+ languages). A Commonwealth member with a historic British connection through the colonial period, PNG maintains a small but consistent UK travel flow — primarily professionals in the resource extraction sector (mining, LNG), academics, and the small PNG community in the UK. Connections to London route via Sydney, Singapore or Hong Kong. Air Niugini and Qantas serve Port Moresby (POM) to Australian hubs.
Samoa — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (approximately 55 WST)
Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) has deep UK and Commonwealth connections. A significant Samoan diaspora exists in New Zealand and Australia, with smaller communities in the UK. Travel to London routes via Auckland or Sydney, then onward. Samoa has strong links with rugby union — the Samoan national team is well-known globally and UK rugby events attract Samoan visitors and diaspora travellers. The Rugby World Cup and Pacific Nations Cup create UK-bound travel spikes.
Solomon Islands — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (approximately 85 SBD)
The Solomon Islands have deep historical ties with Britain — they were a British protectorate until 1978 and remain a Commonwealth member. The significant WWII history of the islands (Guadalcanal campaign) draws some British heritage tourism. UK travel connections route via Brisbane, Sydney or Singapore. A small Solomon Islands community exists in Australia and New Zealand, from which some UK connections are made. The islands’ recent geopolitical alignment shifts (between Australia/UK and China) have increased UK government and diplomatic travel to the islands.
Tonga — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (approximately 50 TOP)
Tonga is the only Pacific monarchy — ruled by King Tupou VI — and has maintained warm relations with the British Royal Family for generations. The Tongan Royal Family has historical connections with the British Crown, and UK-Tonga diplomatic relations are especially warm. Tonga has a significant diaspora in New Zealand and Australia, and a small community in the UK. Rugby union creates notable UK-bound travel. Connections route via Auckland or Sydney. Kingdom Airlines and Air New Zealand serve Nuku’alofa (TBU).
Tuvalu — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (approximately 32 AUD equivalent)
Tuvalu — nine atolls with a combined land area of 26 km² and 11,000 people — is the world’s second smallest sovereign state by population and among the most geographically vulnerable to climate change. It was a British protectorate (the Ellice Islands) until 1978 and has maintained membership of the Commonwealth. A Compact of Association with Australia provides Tuvaluans with a pathway to Australian residency — many Tuvaluans now live in Australia and Fiji, from which UK connections are available. The .tv internet domain (assigned to Tuvalu) generates significant revenue. Connections to London route via Nadi (Fiji) or Auckland.
4. Caribbean Small States
Antigua & Barbuda
Pop. ~100,000
✓ ETA eligibleThe Bahamas
Pop. ~390,000
✓ ETA eligibleBarbados
Pop. ~285,000
✓ ETA eligibleBelize
Pop. ~420,000
✓ ETA eligibleGrenada
Pop. ~115,000
✓ ETA eligibleSt Kitts & Nevis
Pop. ~53,000
✓ ETA eligibleSt Lucia
Pop. ~185,000
✓ ETA eligibleSt Vincent & Grenadines
Pop. ~110,000
✓ ETA eligibleThe eight Caribbean nations covered here are all Commonwealth members with deep historical and cultural ties to the United Kingdom. The Windrush generation — Caribbean migrants who came to the UK from the late 1940s through the 1970s — established communities that remain central to British life in cities including London, Birmingham, Nottingham and Bristol. For many Caribbean nationals, visiting the UK means visiting family who have been British residents for two, three or four generations. This diaspora dimension is the primary driver of UK-bound travel from these islands — and the ETA is a new step in a journey many families have made for decades. Our senior citizens guide is particularly relevant for older Caribbean visitors making their first post-ETA UK trip.
Antigua & Barbuda — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$27 XCD)
Antigua & Barbuda was a British colony until 1981. The UK Antiguan community — particularly in London, Birmingham and Slough — is well-established, and family visit travel is the primary UK trip purpose. Connections to London from VC Bird International Airport (ANU) route via Miami, New York, Toronto or direct to London Gatwick (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic seasonal). Direct London services make the ETA process straightforward — the check occurs at ANU or the connecting hub.
The Bahamas — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$20 USD)
The Bahamas — 700 islands, 390,000 people — was a British colony until 1973 and maintains the British monarch as head of state. It is one of the Caribbean’s wealthiest nations per capita, driven by banking and tourism. Bahamian nationals visiting the UK travel primarily for family visits (a UK Bahamian community exists, particularly in London) and business. Connections to London from Lynden Pindling International (NAS) in Nassau via Miami, New York or London direct (British Airways seasonal). The Bahamas is also a significant financial centre — London-Bahamas legal and banking connections drive professional travel.
Barbados — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$40 BBD)
Barbados became a republic in 2021 (removing the British monarch as head of state) but remains a Commonwealth member. The UK Barbadian community — one of the earliest Windrush-era Caribbean communities — is concentrated in London, particularly in Brixton and Tottenham. Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) operates direct services to London Gatwick (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, TUI) and Heathrow (British Airways). The ETA check for Barbadian nationals occurs at BGI before boarding. Barbados is also popular with UK tourists — creating a well-worn bilateral travel corridor.
Belize — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$40 BZD)
Belize is unique in Central America — the only English-speaking nation in the region, a former British colony (British Honduras) that gained independence in 1981 and retains the British monarch as head of state. The UK Belizean community is concentrated in London, particularly in Paddington, Harrow and the East End. Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City connects to London via Miami, Houston or Dallas — there is no direct Belize–London service. The UK maintains a small military training presence in Belize, creating some military personnel travel.
Grenada — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$27 XCD)
Grenada — the “Spice Isle” — is a Commonwealth realm with the British monarch as head of state. It gained independence in 1974 and has had a complex political history including the 1983 US invasion. The UK Grenadian community is well-established, particularly in London. Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) connects to London via Barbados (BGI) or direct to Gatwick (British Airways seasonal). Grenada is also home to St George’s University, a major medical school attracting international students — UK academic connections are significant.
St Kitts & Nevis — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$27 XCD)
St Kitts and Nevis is the smallest sovereign state in the Americas by both area and population. A Commonwealth realm, it was a British colony until 1983. The UK Kittitian and Nevisian community — particularly in London and Leicester — maintains strong family links. Robert L Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) on St Kitts connects to London via Barbados, Antigua or Miami. St Kitts is also known for its citizenship-by-investment programme, which creates some investor travel to UK financial centres. Nevis has no commercial airport — travel departs via St Kitts.
St Lucia — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$27 XCD)
St Lucia — which changed hands between France and Britain 14 times before finally becoming British — is a Commonwealth realm and among the Caribbean’s most visited tourist destinations. It has the unique distinction of having produced two Nobel laureates (Sir Arthur Lewis, economics; Derek Walcott, literature). Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU) serve the island. London connections route via Barbados or via Miami/New York, with some direct seasonal UK charter services. The UK Saint Lucian community is established particularly in London.
St Vincent & the Grenadines — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$27 XCD)
St Vincent and the Grenadines — famous for its inclusion in the Pirates of the Caribbean filming locations — is a Commonwealth realm that gained independence in 1979. The UK Vincentian community is significant, particularly in London, Wolverhampton and Sheffield. The new Argyle International Airport (SVD), which opened in 2017 replacing the old E.T. Joshua Airport, improved international connectivity. London connections route via Barbados or Trinidad. The Grenadines — a chain of smaller islands — include Bequia, Mustique and Canouan, popular with high-end UK tourists.
5. Indian Ocean Islands: Maldives, Mauritius & Seychelles
Maldives
Pop. ~540,000
✓ ETA eligibleMauritius
Pop. ~1.27M
✓ ETA eligibleSeychelles
Pop. ~98,000
✓ ETA eligibleMaldives (ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ) — ETA at a Glance
- Population: ~540,000 (across 200 inhabited atolls in the Indian Ocean)
- ETA eligible since: 8 January 2025
- Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (approximately 310 MVR at current rates)
- Passport required: Valid Maldivian biometric passport
- Key air routes: Malé Velana International (MLE) – London Heathrow — direct Maldivian Airlines, connections via Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), Abu Dhabi (Etihad)
- UK Maldivian community: Small but established — approximately 5,000–10,000 in the UK, primarily in London
- Tourism significance: The UK is one of the Maldives’ top source markets for inbound tourism — creating a reverse travel relationship where Maldivian hospitality professionals visit UK tourism trade events
The Maldives is simultaneously one of the world’s most sought-after luxury tourism destinations and a country facing existential threat from rising sea levels. Its citizens’ travel to the UK is modest in volume but significant in range: tourism industry professionals attending UK travel trade events (World Travel Market in London is a key annual event), government officials visiting bilateral meetings, students at UK universities, and the small UK Maldivian diaspora. Velana International Airport now has direct services to London Heathrow operated by Maldivian Airlines — making the ETA check straightforward at Malé’s departure terminal.
Mauritius (Maurice / Moris) — ETA at a Glance
- Population: ~1.27 million (largest Indian Ocean island nation in this section)
- ETA eligible since: 8 January 2025
- Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (approximately 940 MUR at current rates)
- Passport required: Valid Mauritian biometric passport
- Key air routes: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU) – London Heathrow — Air Mauritius (direct), British Airways (direct), connections via Dubai, Doha, Paris
- UK Mauritian community: Estimated 70,000–100,000 UK residents of Mauritian origin — one of the largest diaspora communities covered in this guide
- Languages: English and French are official languages; Mauritian Creole widely spoken — multilingual population navigates UK paperwork well
- Chagos Islands note: The sovereignty of the Chagos Islands (BIOT/Diego Garcia) has been a significant UK-Mauritius diplomatic issue — a deal is under negotiation as of 2026
Mauritius has one of the deepest and most complex relationships with the UK of any nation in this guide. A former British colony (Mauritius) that also absorbed French colonial influences, it is home to a multilingual, multi-ethnic population of Indian, Creole, Chinese and European heritage. The UK Mauritian diaspora — estimated at 70,000–100,000 — is concentrated in London (particularly Harrow, Wembley and Tooting), Leicester and other Midlands cities. Family visit travel between Mauritius and the UK is one of the most significant bilateral flows covered in this guide, making the ETA a critical annual concern for thousands of families.
Seychelles (Sesel / Seychelles) — ETA at a Glance
- Population: ~98,000 (115 islands; Africa’s smallest nation by population)
- ETA eligible since: 8 January 2025
- Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (approximately 290 SCR at current rates)
- Passport required: Valid Seychellois biometric passport
- Key air routes: Seychelles International (SEZ) – London Heathrow — Air Seychelles (direct, limited), connections via Dubai (Emirates), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), Doha (Qatar Airways), Nairobi (Kenya Airways)
- UK Seychellois community: Small — approximately 5,000–8,000 in the UK
- Official languages: Seychellois Creole, English and French — English-language proficiency makes ETA application easy for most Seychellois travellers
The Seychelles — 115 granite and coral islands in the Indian Ocean — was a British colony until 1976 and remains a Commonwealth member. Its 98,000 citizens speak English as an official language and have maintained educational and cultural links with Britain since independence. The UK Seychellois community is small but well-established in London. The Seychelles is also one of Africa’s highest GDP-per-capita nations (largely driven by tourism and offshore finance), meaning Seychellois travellers to the UK are primarily tourism and business visitors rather than economic migrants.
6. Other Nations: Brunei, Guyana, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan
Brunei Darussalam — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$27 BND)
Brunei is one of the world’s wealthiest nations per capita — an oil-rich sultanate on the island of Borneo. A former British protectorate (British Residency until 1984), Brunei is a Commonwealth member and maintains close military ties with the UK — the British Army Garrison Brunei (with Gurkha soldiers) has been present since 1962 under a bilateral defence agreement. Brunei International Airport (BWN) connects to London via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Dubai. Royal Brunei Airlines operates some European services via the Gulf. The UK Brunei relationship is unique among Southeast Asian nations for its defence dimension.
Guyana — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$210 GYD)
Guyana is South America’s only English-speaking country — a former British colony (British Guiana) that gained independence in 1966. Its population of ~800,000 is ethnically diverse (Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, Amerindian, and mixed heritage) and maintains strong diaspora connections with the UK, particularly in London and the Home Counties. The UK Guyanese community is estimated at 100,000–150,000. Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) connects to London via New York (JFK) or Toronto, with no direct service. Guyana’s recent oil discovery (2015) and subsequent economic boom have increased professional travel to the UK’s energy sector.
Hong Kong SAR — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$200 HKD)
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders are ETA-eligible. This is distinct from Chinese mainland passport holders, who require a Standard Visitor Visa. The BN(O) (British National Overseas) pathway — which has allowed hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to settle in the UK since 2021 — means a significant proportion of Hong Kong-origin travellers may already hold British resident status or be in the process of acquiring it. Those with valid UK leave to remain or settled status may not need an ETA; check your specific immigration status. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) has multiple daily London Heathrow connections via Cathay Pacific and British Airways.
Israel — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$72 ILS)
Israel’s inclusion on the UK ETA list is notable given the geopolitical complexity of UK-Israel relations and the significant Israeli diaspora in the UK. Israeli nationals visit the UK for tourism, business (London’s tech and venture capital sectors have strong Israel connections), academic exchange, and family visits. Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv operates multiple daily London Heathrow services (British Airways, El Al) and Stansted services (Ryanair, easyJet). The UK Jewish community — the largest in Europe outside France — creates significant Israel-UK family visit traffic in both directions. Israeli passport holders who also hold British citizenship (dual nationals are common) should travel on their British passport.
Macau SAR — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$160 MOP)
Macau Special Administrative Region passport holders are ETA-eligible — distinct from Chinese mainland passport holders. Macau was a Portuguese colony until 1999 (and some Macanese hold Portuguese passports, which are also ETA-eligible as an EU nationality). Macau International Airport (MFM) connects to London via Hong Kong (HKG) — the short Macau-HKG ferry or airport transfer makes Cathay Pacific’s London services accessible. Macau’s economy is dominated by gaming and tourism; UK connections are primarily business (gaming regulation, finance) and academic.
Malaysia — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$95 MYR)
Malaysia is one of the larger non-EU nations on the ETA list with approximately 33 million people. A former British colonial territory (Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah), Malaysia is a Commonwealth member and has a large diaspora in the UK — the Malaysian student community at UK universities is substantial, and a significant Malaysian diaspora exists in London, particularly in the Malaysian food and restaurant scene. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) has multiple daily London Heathrow services operated by Malaysia Airlines and British Airways, plus connections via Gulf hubs. Malaysia Airlines flies direct KUL–LHR — approximately 13 hours.
Singapore — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$27 SGD)
Singapore is one of the world’s most connected cities and a major financial hub with deep UK ties — British law, British-style institutions, English as a primary language, and a bilateral relationship reinforced by defence cooperation (Five Power Defence Arrangements). Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) — consistently ranked the world’s best — operates multiple daily London Heathrow services by Singapore Airlines and British Airways. The UK-Singapore Bilateral Investment Treaty and significant cross-border professional services flow make this one of Asia’s most active bilateral business travel corridors. Singapore Airlines’ A350 operates one of the longest direct city-pair flights to London.
Taiwan — Government fee: £20 plus our handling fee (~$640 TWD)
Taiwan passport holders are ETA-eligible — with one specific requirement: the application must include the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan (the National Identification Card number). This is a unique requirement not shared by any other ETA nationality and is specified explicitly on the GOV.UK eligibility page. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) operates Taipei–London Heathrow services via China Airlines and EVA Air (direct, approximately 13 hours) and British Airways. The UK-Taiwan relationship is diplomatically sensitive given China’s position; the UK has nonetheless strengthened trade and technology ties with Taiwan in recent years.
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7. Practical ETA Considerations for Small-Nation Travellers
The Multi-Connection Reality
For Pacific island nations, and to a lesser extent Caribbean and Indian Ocean islands, reaching the UK involves two, three or even four connections. This creates a specific ETA consideration: the ETA check occurs at the final departure airport before the UK-bound flight, not necessarily at your origin island. However, if your journey is disrupted and you miss your connection, you need to be at a departure point with a valid ETA on your passport — which you will have if you applied in advance. Apply for your ETA before beginning your journey, not mid-travel.
Transit Visas for Connecting Countries
Small-nation travellers who connect through third countries — particularly the United States — may need separate entry permissions for those transit points. The UK ETA covers only the UK portion of your journey. US transit requires a US ESTA or B visa depending on your nationality; transit through EU/Schengen airports may or may not require a Schengen transit visa depending on your nationality. Our transit guide covers UK airport transit specifically.
Passport Validity for Long Journeys
For travellers making multi-day journeys from the Pacific, it is important to ensure your passport remains valid not just for your planned UK stay but for the full duration of your travel — including any connecting days in transit countries. Some airlines and countries require 6 months of passport validity beyond your planned departure date. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expiry — if your passport is due for renewal within 2 years, renew it before applying for an ETA to maximise the useful ETA window.
The Photograph Requirement
Regardless of nation size or geographic remoteness, the same photograph compliance standards apply. A non-compliant photograph is the most common cause of avoidable rejection. Our expert review service checks your photo before submission. See our photo requirements guide for full specifications — this is especially important for applicants who may be making their first digital immigration application.
Families and Children from Island Nations
Family groups travelling together from Caribbean, Pacific or Indian Ocean islands need individual ETAs for every family member — including children of all ages. For families making large group trips (a common pattern in Pacific and Caribbean communities), our Dedicated Agent service coordinates multiple applications simultaneously. See our families guide.
8. How to Apply: Step by Step
| Step | What to do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm your nationality is listed | Check the current eligible countries page — the list can change with little notice. All nations in this guide are currently eligible (May 2026). |
| 2 | Have your biometric passport ready | Name, date of birth, passport number, issue and expiry. Taiwan applicants: also have your national ID card number ready. |
| 3 | Prepare a compliant photograph | Plain white/off-white background, no shadows. See our photo guide. Most common rejection cause across all nationalities. |
| 4 | Complete the application | Our guided form: 5–10 minutes. Step-by-step guide here. |
| 5 | Pay the fee | £20 government fee plus our handling fee. Secure Stripe payment. Full pricing page. |
| 6 | Receive approval | Most applications: minutes. Up to 3 working days for manual review cases. For small-nation applicants making long journeys, apply weeks in advance. |
| 7 | Check your status | Use our instant status lookup to confirm your ETA is active before departing. |
| 8 | Travel | Present the same passport at check-in at your departure airport (not necessarily your origin island). ETA verified electronically — nothing to print. |
9. Frequently Asked Questions
I hold a passport from Andorra / Monaco / San Marino / Liechtenstein. Do I need a UK ETA?
Yes. All four European micro-states are ETA-eligible. Citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Liechtenstein need a valid UK ETA before travelling. If you also hold a French, Spanish, Italian or Swiss passport — all equally ETA-eligible — you may apply on either. The ETA is linked to the specific passport you travel with.
I’m from a Pacific island nation. When should I apply for my ETA given the long journey?
Apply as soon as your travel plans are confirmed — ideally weeks before departure. Your journey to the UK likely involves multiple connections over several days. The ETA must be active before your first departure airport check-in. There is no benefit to waiting — your ETA is valid for 2 years. Apply early and check the status via our status lookup tool before beginning your journey.
I hold a Hong Kong SAR passport. Do I need a UK ETA?
Yes — Hong Kong SAR passport holders are ETA-eligible. This is separate from mainland Chinese passport holders, who require a Standard Visitor Visa. If you hold a BN(O) British National Overseas passport and have active UK immigration leave, check your specific status with our eligibility guide as BN(O) holders with active leave may not need an ETA.
I hold a Taiwan passport. Is there anything special about my ETA application?
Yes — Taiwan passport holders have one unique requirement: the application must include the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan (your National Identification Card number). This requirement is specified on the GOV.UK eligibility page and applies to Taiwan applicants only. Have your national ID card to hand when completing your application.
I am from Mauritius and want to visit family in the UK. Do I need an ETA?
Yes. Mauritian nationals are ETA-eligible and need a valid UK ETA before travelling. Visiting family in the UK is a fully permitted purpose under the visitor permission. The ETA allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. Apply on your Mauritian biometric passport — the process takes under 10 minutes online and most applications are approved within minutes.
I’m from Barbados and my parents’ generation came to the UK in the 1960s. Do they need an ETA to visit?
If they are travelling on a Barbadian passport, yes — they need a UK ETA. If they have become British citizens through naturalisation or by other means, and hold a British passport, they are exempt. Our senior citizens guide provides step-by-step help for older travellers, and our Dedicated Agent service can complete the application on their behalf.
Do children from Caribbean or Pacific island nations need their own ETA?
Yes. Every traveller regardless of age needs their own ETA linked to their own passport. Children cannot travel under a parent’s ETA. See our families guide for the full application process for minors.
How much does the UK ETA cost, and what is the government fee?
The UK government fee is £20 per person plus our handling fee. This applies equally to all ETA-eligible nationalities regardless of country size. The ETA is valid for 2 years with unlimited UK trips. See our full pricing page for service tier details.
I renewed my passport. Do I need a new ETA?
Yes. Your ETA is linked to your specific passport number. A new passport requires a new ETA application, even if your previous ETA is still within its 2-year validity. Use our instant status lookup tool to verify your current ETA is linked to your current passport.
- GOV.UK — Check if you can get an ETA: full eligible nationalities list, verified May 2026. URL: gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
- Home Office — ETA mandatory enforcement: 25 February 2026; government fee £20 from April 2026
- Commonwealth Secretariat — Member state information for Pacific, Caribbean and Indian Ocean island nations
- VisitBritain — Inbound visitor statistics by nationality 2024–2025
- ICAO — Airport codes and international aviation connectivity data 2025
- World Bank — Population data by country 2024
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More UK ETA Guides