In effect · Policy explainer
UK ETA checks are enforced: what to prepare before travel
If you need a UK ETA, get approval before travel and use the passport linked to it. Carriers have enforced the requirement since 25 February 2026.
Does this affect your trip?
- Visitors whose nationality and travel purpose fall within the UK ETA scheme, including children and babies.
- In-scope passengers connecting through a UK airport who pass through UK border control.
Common exceptions
- British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA; British or Irish dual citizens cannot obtain one.
- People with a UK visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK are among the exempt groups.
- Airport passengers who remain airside without passing border control do not need an ETA.
These are common examples, not a complete eligibility decision. The official checker and exemption guidance cover additional cases, including some Irish residents and special travel documents. An ETA does not guarantee admission.
Enforced from 25 February 2026
The Home Office announced this enforcement date on 24 November 2025. Today's application guidance is used for fees and processing information; the older announcement quotes a historical fee.
Enforcement announcement: . This is the source's publication date, not this article's first publication.
What changed at departure
The Home Office says ETA checks were not strictly enforced during the rollout. From 25 February 2026, travelers covered by the scheme need advance permission and carriers check it before travel.
This is enforcement of an existing travel-authorisation scheme. Whether you need an ETA or a visa still depends on your nationality, reason for visiting and existing status.
Use the current application guidance
The official application fee is now £20. GOV.UK says a decision usually arrives within a day but can take three working days. Wait for the approval email before traveling; submitting an application is not approval.
Your ETA is attached to the passport used to apply. It lasts two years or until that passport expires, whichever happens first. Apply using the passport you will travel with.
What to do next
Check your route before applying
Use GOV.UK's visa or ETA checker, then read the exemption list if you hold UK status, another nationality or a special travel document.
Start at GOV.UK
Follow the official application page to the online service or UK ETA app. Have your travel passport ready and allow time for a decision.
Turn the guidance into trip questions
Use a planning brief to keep your route, documents and questions together. It does not decide whether you can enter.
Prepare questions for your tripCommon questions
Do I need an ETA for a connecting flight?
If you are in scope and pass through UK border control, yes. If you remain airside without passing border control, you are exempt. Ask your airline which process your connection uses.
Can an agency get a faster decision?
GOV.UK says another website or app cannot get a faster decision. Other sites may charge more, so check the official fee and avoid services that imitate government websites.
Does one ETA cover my whole family?
No. Every traveler who needs an ETA requires their own, including babies and children. You can apply for someone else using the official service.
Official sources & what they support
Reviewed on 28 September 2026 UTC. Source pages may change after this check.
- Home Office: ETA enforcement announcement
Published 24 November 2025. Supports the enforcement date, carrier checks and previous rollout approach. Its historical £16 fee is not today's fee.
Checked 28 September 2026 UTC - GOV.UK: ETA overview and official checker
Current overview, individual applications, landside transit and no admission guarantee. Links to the official visa or ETA checker.
Checked 28 September 2026 UTC - GOV.UK: When you do not need an ETA
Current exemption list, airside transit and documents for British or Irish dual citizens. Additional conditions apply to some groups.
Checked 28 September 2026 UTC - GOV.UK: Apply for an ETA
Current £20 fee, processing guidance, approval before travel, passport linkage and validity. Links to the official online service and app.
Checked 28 September 2026 UTC
Article history
— Checked the enforcement announcement and current GOV.UK guidance. Added the current £20 fee, transit distinctions and common exemptions. The original VisaGlance publication date could not be established.
The original VisaGlance publication date is not established. Our review and correction policy explains how we handle sources, dates and corrections.