The UK ETA Is Now Mandatory — and the Fee Just Rose to £20
Travel to the United Kingdom now has an extra step for many visitors. The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is fully in force, and in April 2026 its fee rose from £16 to £20. If you are visa-free for the UK, no ETA means no boarding. Here is who needs one — and who still needs a full visa.
Last updated: 15 October 2026. Rules and the list of eligible nationalities are set by the UK Home Office and can change — confirm on gov.uk before you travel.
What the ETA is
An ETA is not a visa. It is a digital permission to travel, linked to your passport, for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays — tourism, visiting family, short business trips. You apply online before you travel, and most decisions come quickly. The main points:
- Fee: £20 (increased from £16 on 8 April 2026).
- Validity: two years, multiple trips — or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Each traveler needs their own ETA, including children.
No ETA, no boarding
Airlines and carriers check for a valid ETA before you board. Without one you can be refused at check-in, even if you would otherwise be admitted. Apply before you book tight connections, and well before departure.
Who needs an ETA — and who needs a visa
The ETA is for nationals who are visa-free for short UK visits (for example, EU, US, Canada, Australia and many others). If your nationality needs a visa to visit the UK, the ETA does not apply to you — you need a Standard Visitor visa instead.
Ukrainian passports: a visa, not an ETA
Ukrainian citizens are not visa-free for ordinary UK visits — a Standard Visitor visa (or the relevant scheme) is required, not an ETA. If you are unsure which applies to your passport, check before you buy tickets.
Quick checklist before you fly to the UK
- Confirm whether your passport is visa-free for the UK (ETA) or needs a visa.
- If ETA: apply online, pay £20, and get the approval linked to your passport.
- Apply early — do not leave it to the airport.
- Keep the passport you applied with — the ETA is tied to it.
Official information: gov.uk “Apply for an ETA” at gov.uk. Need a UK Standard Visitor visa instead of an ETA? We prepare the full application with you.
