UK ETA FAQ 2026: Complete Guide — Every Question Answered

In the context of UK travel, ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation. It is the UK government’s digital pre-clearance system for visitors from visa-exempt countries. Note: in everyday English, “ETA” can also mean Estimated Time of Arrival — this article covers only the immigration meaning.

The UK ETA was introduced in phases. It launched in October 2023 for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, etc.). It expanded to US, Canadian, Australian, and other non-European nationals in January 2025, and to all EU/EEA citizens in April 2025. As of April 2025, the ETA is fully operational for all visa-exempt nationalities.

No. The ETA and a UK visa are fundamentally different documents. An ETA is a lightweight pre-travel clearance for short visits (tourism, business, transit). A visa is a formal entry permission for longer stays, work, study, or settlement. See the full comparison in the next section: ETA vs Visa. A detailed guide is also available at UK ETA vs UK Visa 2026.

Yes, the UK ETA is legally compulsory for all visa-exempt nationals since 2025. Airlines verify ETA status automatically at check-in via the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system. If you do not have a valid ETA, the airline will deny boarding. There is no on-arrival option, no grace period, and no discretion at the gate. Source: UK Home Office.

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of approximately 50 visa-exempt countries (EU, US, Canada, Australia, etc.) need an ETA. Citizens of countries not on that exempt list need a UK visa. Check the full list of ETA-eligible nationalities at UK ETA Eligible Countries 2026. If your country requires a visa, you cannot use the ETA system.

No. You cannot switch from an ETA to a visa while inside the UK. If you need to stay longer than 6 months, work, or study full-time, you must apply for the appropriate UK visa before entering the country. Attempting to extend an ETA stay beyond 6 months is an immigration violation. Source: UK Home Office, UKVI.

No. Holders of a valid UK visa (work, study, family, etc.) do not need an ETA. Your visa covers entry. The ETA is only required for those entering visa-free. The same applies to holders of valid UK residence permits (BRP, settled status, pre-settled status).

All nationals from visa-exempt countries require a UK ETA before travelling to or transiting through the United Kingdom. As of 2026, this includes citizens of all EU and EEA member states (mandatory since April 2025), the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and approximately 50 countries and territories in total. The requirement applies for tourism, business, short-term study (up to 6 months), and even airside transit. See the full list: UK ETA Eligible Countries 2026.

The following travellers do not need a UK ETA:

• British citizens — no pre-travel authorisation required
• Irish citizens — exempt under the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangement
• People with valid UK residence (settled status, pre-settled status, indefinite leave to remain)
• People with a valid UK visa (work, study, family)

If you fall into any of these categories, your entry to the UK is unchanged.

Yes. Since April 2025, all EU and EEA citizens must hold a valid UK ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom. The only EU-related exception is Irish citizens (exempt under the Common Travel Area). EU citizens holding valid UK residence permits (settled or pre-settled status) are also exempt. The ETA costs £20 (approx. €23), is valid for 2 years, and allows multiple trips of up to 6 months each. Full guide: UK ETA for EU Citizens 2026.

No. Since October 2021, EU national identity cards are no longer accepted for entry to the UK. All EU citizens require a valid biometric passport — plus a UK ETA — to travel to the United Kingdom. The only historic exception (for EU Settlement Scheme holders using an ID card) ended on 31 December 2025.

Yes. Even for airside transit — connecting flights at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, or other UK airports without passing through UK immigration — travellers from ETA-required nationalities must hold a valid UK ETA. The requirement applies regardless of whether the traveller physically enters the UK. See the full transit rules: UK ETA & Heathrow Transit 2026.

No. Both British and Irish citizens are fully exempt from the UK ETA. If you hold dual nationality and one of your passports is British or Irish, you should travel on that passport — no ETA is required. Source: UK Home Office; Common Travel Area policy.

The UK ETA eligibility is determined by nationality (passport), not country of residence. A French citizen living in Canada applies for a UK ETA as a French national. A Brazilian living in Germany cannot apply for the ETA — Brazil is not on the visa-exempt list; they need a standard UK visa. Check eligibility by nationality at UK ETA Eligible Countries 2026.

Yes. Cruise passengers from ETA-required nationalities who disembark at a UK port (Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, etc.) must hold a valid UK ETA, even for a one-day shore visit. Passengers who remain on the ship and do not pass through UK border control may be exempt in certain cases. Full guidance: UK ETA for Cruise Passengers.

The official UK government fee is £20 per person (approximately €23), increased from £16 in April 2026. This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused or if travel plans change.

At application-eta.uk, total package prices are all-inclusive (government fee + professional review + 24/7 support) and have not increased:

• Regular (48–72h processing): €69 per person
• Priority (24h processing): €89 per person
• Dedicated Agent (1–6h processing): €119 per person

See detailed breakdown and our free cost calculator: UK ETA Fees & Processing Times 2026.

The UK Home Office raised the ETA fee from £16 to £20 in April 2026 as part of broader immigration fee adjustments. The government cited the need to offset border management costs and fund continued development of the digital border system. The increase was announced in advance. Source: UK Home Office; UK ETA Fee Increase April 2026.

Most UK ETA applications are processed within a few hours. The official Home Office maximum is 3 working days (72 hours). Processing can be slower if passport data contains errors, the photo does not meet requirements, or the Home Office initiates additional security checks. UK bank holidays may also extend processing windows. Applicants are advised to apply at least 7 days before travel. Detailed breakdown: How Long Does the UK ETA Take?

The Home Office recommends applying at least 3 working days before departure. Travel specialists recommend 7–14 days in advance to allow for any manual checks, documentation issues, or bank holidays. The ETA cannot be applied for at the airport — it must be obtained before the flight departs.

If an ETA has not been approved before your departure date, you cannot legally board the flight. Airlines check ETA status at check-in automatically. In urgent situations, apply via the Dedicated Agent service at application-eta.uk (1–6 hour processing), or consider rescheduling the flight to allow time for approval.

The Home Office begins processing immediately upon submission, and many applications are approved the same day. For guaranteed fast-track processing with professional review, the Dedicated Agent service at application-eta.uk offers 1–6 hour turnaround. Full options: Fast UK ETA: Get Your ETA Quickly.

No. The £20 government fee is non-refundable in all cases — including if the ETA is refused, if the travel is cancelled, or if the passport expires before the ETA is used. This is a UK government policy and applies to all application channels. Source: UK Home Office.

Three methods are available:

1. Official UK ETA App — available on iOS and Android, published by the UK Home Office. Uses NFC passport scanning.
2. GOV.UK website — web-based application.
3. Assistance services — platforms such as application-eta.uk provide expert document review, error checking, and priority processing.

All methods submit to the same Home Office system. Assistance services add a professional review layer to minimise errors and refusals. Full step-by-step guide: How to Apply for a UK ETA 2026.

• Valid biometric passport (from an eligible country)
• Digital passport-style photo (meeting UK Home Office specifications)
• Photo of the passport biographical data page
• Personal details matching exactly those in the passport
• Planned travel dates (approximate dates are acceptable)
• Answers to suitability questions (criminal history, immigration, medical)
• Valid credit or debit card for payment

Full checklist: UK ETA Application Guide 2026.

No. You do not need a confirmed flight or hotel booking to apply for the UK ETA. Approximate travel dates are sufficient. It is advisable to apply for the ETA before booking non-refundable flights — so you can confirm eligibility and approval before committing to ticket costs. Source: UK Home Office guidance.

The application collects: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and expiry, country of residence, email address, and travel details. Suitability questions cover: criminal convictions (in any country), previous refusals or deportations from the UK or other countries, and certain medical or public health conditions. All answers are cross-referenced with Home Office and international security databases. Providing false information is a criminal offence under UK law.

Each person requires their own individual ETA application. There is no “family” ETA. However, assistance services such as application-eta.uk handle group and family applications, reviewing all submissions together to ensure consistency and reduce the risk of errors. Each member of the family — including infants and children — needs their own ETA linked to their own passport.

Yes. A UK ETA can be applied for by a third party (family member, travel agent, or assistance service) on behalf of a traveller, provided accurate personal and passport information for the traveller is used. The ETA is linked to the traveller’s passport, not the person who filled in the form. This is a common method for children’s applications or for elderly travellers.

The official UK government ETA service is at gov.uk (UK Visas and Immigration). The official mobile application is the UK ETA App published by the Home Office on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Application-eta.uk is a private assistance service operating alongside the official channel, offering expert review, error checking, and priority support — all at transparent, all-inclusive prices.

No. Selfie-style photos are not accepted. The photo must be taken from a distance (ideally by another person or on a tripod) so that the face is centred, well-lit, and free from shadows. Selfie angles create distortion and shadows that fail Home Office checks. Use a plain light background, ensure your face covers 70–80% of the frame, and avoid any filters. Full guidance: UK ETA Photo Requirements.

No. Glasses are not permitted in UK ETA photos, unless there is a certified medical necessity (supported by a doctor’s note submitted alongside the application). This applies to all types of eyewear including sunglasses, prescription glasses, and tinted lenses. Remove glasses before taking the photo. Source: UK Home Office photo guidance.

The UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until the passport it is linked to expires — whichever comes first. It permits multiple entries. A new ETA is required when it expires, or when the passport used for the original application is renewed or replaced.

Each individual visit may last a maximum of 6 months (approximately 180 days). The ETA allows unlimited individual trips within the 2-year validity window, as long as each stay does not exceed 6 months. There is no mandatory “cooling off” period between visits, but Border Force officers may question travellers who appear to be living in the UK on successive ETA entries. Source: UK Home Office.

No. The UK ETA does not grant the right to work in the United Kingdom. Permitted activities include: tourism, visiting family and friends, business meetings (not paid employment), attending conferences, and short-term study up to 6 months. For employment, a UK work visa (e.g. Skilled Worker Visa) is required. Working without the correct permission is a criminal offence. See: UK ETA by Occupation & Work Status.

Yes, for short courses only. The UK ETA permits study of up to 6 months (e.g. language courses, short professional programmes). It does not permit enrolment in full-time degree programmes or courses longer than 6 months — those require a UK Student Visa. Source: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

No. Once approved, the UK ETA allows multiple entries over its 2-year validity without reapplying. A new ETA is only required when: (a) the current ETA expires, (b) the linked passport expires or is renewed, or (c) the previous ETA was refused.

Overstaying the permitted 6-month visit is a serious immigration violation. The UK Exit Checks system records departures — overstays are flagged automatically. Consequences include: a re-entry ban (typically 1–10 years), difficulty obtaining future UK ETAs or visas, and potential deportation if caught inside the UK. Source: UK Home Office immigration enforcement guidance.

No. The UK ETA covers entry to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey) and the Isle of Man are Crown Dependencies with their own border arrangements. Travellers going directly to these territories from outside the UK may have different requirements — check with the relevant Crown Dependency authority. Source: UK Home Office.

Yes. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, and a UK ETA is valid for entry at Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport, and by ferry from Ireland. Note: travelling between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (which is EU territory) does not require additional documents for ETA holders, as there are no routine checks at the Irish land border. Source: UK Home Office; Common Travel Area guidance.

No. The UK ETA is exclusively for entry to the United Kingdom. It has no validity in the EU Schengen Area whatsoever. The Schengen Area (26 EU countries) and the UK are entirely separate travel zones — the UK left the EU in 2020 and is not part of Schengen.

For travel to Schengen countries, UK citizens and other non-EU nationals use their own passport arrangements (up to 90 days in 180 for most). Note: from 2025, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is the EU’s equivalent pre-travel authorisation for non-EU nationals visiting Schengen countries — completely separate from the UK ETA and administered by the EU. Source: Frontex / European Commission.

No. The ETA is entirely digital and does not need to be printed. It is verified automatically when the passport is scanned. Keeping a digital copy of the approval email on a mobile device is recommended as a precaution. See: UK ETA Status Check & FAQ.

The UK ETA is required for all ages, including newborn infants. There is no minimum age exemption. Every individual travelling to the UK from a visa-exempt country — regardless of age — must hold their own valid ETA linked to their own passport. A baby travelling on their own passport needs their own ETA. A child included in a parent’s passport (rare, for older-style passports) follows separate rules — contact the application-eta.uk team for guidance. Source: UK Home Office. Full guide: UK ETA for Minors 2026.

Yes. Parents or legal guardians can apply for a UK ETA on behalf of their minor children. The application uses the child’s passport data, but can be submitted by an adult. All information must match the child’s passport exactly. Assistance services such as application-eta.uk handle family group applications, reviewing each member’s details for consistency.

A baby born in the UK does not automatically have British citizenship (unless at least one parent is British or settled). If the child holds a foreign passport from a visa-exempt country, they will need a UK ETA to re-enter the UK after travelling abroad. If they hold a British passport, no ETA is needed. Immigration status of the child must be established first — seek immigration advice if uncertain. Source: UK Home Office.

Yes. There is no age exemption for senior citizens. All travellers from ETA-required nationalities — regardless of age — must hold a valid UK ETA. Assistance services can help older travellers who are less comfortable with digital applications. Full guidance: UK ETA for Senior Citizens 2026.

Check by: (1) searching the email inbox used during application for the Home Office approval email, (2) logging into the UK ETA app and checking the status linked to your passport, (3) using the instant lookup tool at application-eta.uk/uk-eta-status-check-faq/. Status options: Pending (under review), Approved (valid for travel), or Refused.

An official email from the UK Home Office confirms approval, specifying the passport it is linked to and the validity period. If no email is received within 72 hours, check the spam/junk folder and verify the email address entered during application. Persistent non-receipt can be investigated via application-eta.uk status support.

“Pending” means the application is still being reviewed by the Home Office. Most are resolved quickly, but some require manual security checks of up to 3 working days. Do not travel until the status changes to Approved. Booking non-refundable flights while status is pending is at the traveller’s risk.

Once submitted to the Home Office, an application cannot be edited. If applied via a Priority or Dedicated Agent plan at application-eta.uk, experts may catch errors before submission. If the error is already processed and approved, the incorrect data may cause issues at the border — in this case, a new ETA application with correct information is required. Do not travel on an ETA with known errors in passport number or personal details.

Yes. The ETA is linked to a specific passport number. If the passport is renewed, replaced, or a new passport is issued, a new ETA must be applied for — even if the old ETA has not yet expired. Always apply using the passport that will be used for travel. This is one of the most common reasons ETA holders are denied boarding. Source: UK Home Office.

Yes, ideally. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until the linked passport expires, whichever is sooner. If your passport expires in 3 months, your ETA will also expire in 3 months even though it was issued as a “2-year” document. Renewing the passport first means the ETA will last the full 2 years. Always travel with the same passport the ETA is linked to. Source: UK Home Office.

Common grounds for UK ETA refusal:

• Previous criminal convictions, particularly for serious offences
• Prior immigration violations (overstaying, previous UK entry bans)
• Security concerns flagged during background checks
• Incorrect or inconsistent information in the application
• Passport from an ineligible country
• Non-compliant photo causing a failed identity check

A refused ETA does not automatically result in a permanent entry ban. Full guide: UK ETA Refused — Reasons & What to Do.

Options after refusal: (1) re-apply with corrected information if the refusal was due to a data error, (2) apply for a standard UK visa through UKVI if the refusal was for substantive reasons (criminal record, immigration history), (3) seek specialist immigration advice. Applicants who applied through application-eta.uk receive a detailed review of the refusal reason and guidance on next steps.

Not necessarily. The impact of a criminal record depends on the nature and recency of the offence. Minor or spent convictions may not result in refusal. Serious offences (violent crimes, drug trafficking, fraud, terrorism) are very likely to result in refusal. The suitability questions must be answered honestly — undisclosed convictions discovered at the border can result in immediate entry refusal and a re-entry ban. When in doubt, seek immigration advice before applying. Source: UK Home Office suitability guidance.

For most applicants, the UK ETA is straightforward. As of December 2025, the Home Office has granted over 24.8 million ETAs since October 2023, indicating a very high overall approval rate (Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, published February 2026). The most common barriers are errors in applications or non-compliant photos. See full statistics: UK ETA Statistics 2026.

Yes. All airlines operating flights to the UK are legally required to verify ETA status before boarding through the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system. The check is automatic at online check-in and at the gate. Passengers without a valid ETA will be denied boarding. This applies globally — at every departure airport in the world.

No. There is no airport counter or on-arrival ETA service. The ETA must be obtained before departure. Airlines confirm ETA status at check-in, so even arriving at the airport without an approved ETA means you will not be allowed to board. Do not rely on being able to apply last-minute at the terminal.

Simply present your passport as normal — at the eGate or to a Border Force officer. The ETA is retrieved automatically by scanning the passport. No separate ETA document, printout, or code needs to be shown. ETA holders eligible for eGates (most biometric passport holders) can use automated border lanes without any additional steps.

Yes. The UK operates an Exit Checks system (introduced 2015) which records the departure of passengers at ports, airports, and international rail terminals. Passport data is collected when boarding outbound transport. This information is used by the Home Office to monitor compliance with immigration time limits and to flag overstayers. Source: UK Home Office, Border Force operations guidance.

Yes. All UK ETA applications are checked against national and international security databases, including Interpol, the UK Police National Computer, and Watch Lists operated by UK intelligence services. The suitability questions in the application specifically require disclosure of criminal convictions, immigration history, and certain medical conditions. Undisclosed convictions discovered at the border can result in immediate refusal of entry.

Before booking flights is strongly recommended, or immediately after. This ensures: (1) you confirm your eligibility before committing to non-refundable ticket costs, (2) you have adequate time for processing (7–14 days recommended), (3) you avoid stress if additional checks are required. The ETA does not require a confirmed flight booking — you can apply with approximate travel dates.

Since April 2025, all EU and EEA citizens (except Irish nationals) must obtain a UK ETA before every trip to the United Kingdom. Previously, EU citizens could enter the UK using only their ID card or passport with no pre-authorisation. Now they need: (1) a biometric passport — ID cards are no longer accepted; (2) a valid UK ETA (£20 / ~€23 government fee). Full guide for EU citizens: UK ETA 2026 — Complete Guide for EU Citizens.

French citizens must obtain a UK ETA (£20 / ~€23) before every trip to the UK. France is an EU member state — the ETA requirement applies since April 2025. A biometric French passport is required; the French national ID card is not accepted at UK borders. Full guide: UK ETA for French Citizens.

No. The German Personalausweis (national ID card) is no longer accepted for entry to the UK. German citizens must travel with a valid biometric German passport and a UK ETA. Full guide including the ID card rule change: German ID Card & UK ETA 2026.

US citizens require a valid UK ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom. The cost is £20 (approx. $25 USD), valid for 2 years with multiple entries. Americans had a long history of visa-free travel to the UK — the ETA replaces that historical arrangement with a simple pre-travel digital check. Full guide: UK ETA for Americans 2026.

Canadian citizens require a UK ETA (£20) since January 2025. Canada is among the non-European visa-exempt countries included in the ETA rollout. Valid for 2 years, multiple entries, up to 6 months per visit. Full guide: UK ETA for Canadian Citizens.

All of these nationalities require a UK ETA since April 2025. As EU/EEA members (Switzerland through bilateral agreements), their citizens follow the same rules as other EU nationals. Biometric passport required; national ID cards not accepted. Full country-specific guide: UK ETA for Austrian, Swiss, Belgian & Dutch Citizens.

British citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in the EU Schengen Area. However, from 2025, British citizens are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) — the EU’s equivalent of the UK ETA — before visiting Schengen countries. ETIAS is separate from the UK ETA and is administered by the European Union. Source: European Union; Frontex.

Yes. Romanian citizens can travel to the UK for tourism, business, or short-term stays. As EU citizens, Romanians must hold a valid UK ETA (mandatory since April 2025) and a biometric passport. Romanian national ID cards are not accepted for UK entry. Romanian citizens with valid UK settled or pre-settled status, or a valid UK visa, are exempt from the ETA requirement. See: UK ETA Eligible Countries.

Apply for the ETA using the same passport you will use to travel to the UK. If one of your passports is from a non-ETA-eligible country, use the eligible one. If one is a British or Irish passport, use that — no ETA required. Once the ETA is linked to a specific passport, you must travel exclusively on that passport for the duration of the ETA’s validity. Source: UK Home Office.

It depends on the nature, severity, and age of the conviction. Minor, spent, or old offences may not result in refusal. Serious convictions (violence, drug offences, fraud, terrorism) significantly increase the risk of refusal. All convictions must be disclosed — providing false information is a criminal offence. If you have a complex criminal history, applying through the Dedicated Agent service at application-eta.uk ensures your application is reviewed before submission. Source: UK Home Office suitability framework.

A previous refusal of entry or deportation must be disclosed on the ETA application. This does not automatically result in a new refusal, but it significantly increases scrutiny. The reasons for the original refusal matter greatly. A Dedicated Agent review through application-eta.uk can help assess your specific situation before you apply.

Yes. Medical treatment is a permitted activity under the UK ETA, provided the treatment does not require payment from the NHS in a way that would require a different visa category, and the stay does not exceed 6 months. For extended medical treatment or NHS-funded care, a Standard Visitor Visa may be more appropriate. Source: UKVI visitor visa guidance.

Yes. Attending conferences, trade shows, business meetings, and professional training (where you are not being paid by a UK employer) is fully permitted under the UK ETA. Paid employment, being contracted by a UK company, or performing services for UK clients requires a work visa. See the full occupation guide: UK ETA by Occupation & Work Status.

A UK ETA does not require a formal invitation letter. Any visa-exempt traveller from an eligible country can apply independently. However, if the primary purpose of the visit is to join a UK-based partner with an intention to settle permanently, a Family Visa may be more appropriate. UK Border Force can refuse entry if there is evidence that an ETA is being used to circumvent long-term residence immigration rules. Source: UK Home Office.

No special ETA category exists for journalists. Media professionals travelling to cover events in the UK (filming, reporting, photography) may enter on a standard ETA, provided they are employed by a foreign media organisation and are not being paid by a UK entity. Those contracted by UK broadcasters or publishers for paid work need a work visa. See: UK ETA by Occupation & Work Status.

Yes. Attending Glastonbury or any other UK festival is a tourism activity and requires a valid UK ETA for visa-exempt nationals. The ETA process is the same regardless of the reason for travel. Apply well in advance — at least 7–14 days before departure. Full guide: UK ETA for Glastonbury Festival 2027.

The defining changes in 2026 are: (1) full implementation of the ETA for all visa-exempt nationalities; (2) the official government ETA fee increased from £16 to £20 (approx. €23) in April 2026; (3) EU ID cards are permanently rejected — biometric passports required; (4) Exit Checks system fully operational. Key facts: ETA mandatory for ~50 nationalities; valid 2 years, multiple entries up to 6 months; over 24.8 million ETAs granted as of December 2025 (Home Office data). Source: UK Home Office; UK ETA Statistics 2026.

The ETA is applied for before entering the UK, so a Pending status means the application is awaiting approval before departure. You can travel to other countries while waiting. However, you should not depart for the UK until the ETA is Approved — airlines will not allow boarding with a Pending status.

The fastest route with professional oversight is the Dedicated Agent service at application-eta.uk (1–6 hour processing with expert review). For those comfortable applying independently, the official UK ETA App with NFC passport scanning is the simplest direct channel — approval often arrives within a few hours.

EU citizens enter the UK using a valid biometric passport plus a UK ETA (mandatory since April 2025). EU ID cards are no longer valid for UK entry. Those with UK settled or pre-settled status may have additional entry options. Present your passport at check-in — the ETA is verified automatically. For Eurostar passengers, UK border checks are conducted at the departure terminal in France or Belgium before boarding. Source: UK Home Office; Border Force.

Yes — the UK ETA is conceptually very similar to the US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Both are pre-travel digital authorisations for visa-exempt nationals, applied online before departure, valid for multiple entries over a fixed period, and verified electronically at the border. Key differences: the UK ETA costs £20 (ESTA costs $21), the UK ETA is valid for 2 years (ESTA for 2 years), and the UK allows stays of up to 6 months (ESTA allows 90 days per visit). Source: UK Home Office; US Customs and Border Protection.

The UK ETA system is the UK’s long-term digital border strategy and is not expected to be discontinued. The government has signalled further integration with biometric checks and continued expansion of eGate eligibility. Fee levels may be revised in future budgets — the April 2026 increase from £16 to £20 is the most recent change. For the latest updates, check application-eta.uk/blog/. Source: UK Home Office digital border strategy publications.

The UK ETA has no shareable document or QR code. It exists only as an electronic record linked to the passport number. The Home Office approval email can be forwarded by WhatsApp, email, or any messaging platform as informal proof for personal reassurance. At the border, the ETA is always verified by passport scan — no document presentation to another person is ever required.