UK ETA for Family Visits: What Non-EU Relatives Need to Know

Planning a UK family visit in 2026? If you are visiting relatives in Britain, you may need a UK ETA before you travel.

The important thing to know is that your passport nationality, not simply your relationship with a UK resident, determines whether you need an ETA or a visitor visa.

What Is a UK ETA for a Family Visit?

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permission for eligible visitors who do not normally need a UK visa for short visits.

It can be used for visiting family and friends in the UK for up to six months, subject to the applicable visitor rules. An ETA costs £20 and is generally valid for two years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first.

Since 25 February 2026, eligible non-visa nationals need advance permission, such as an ETA, before travelling to the UK.

For general information about visiting the UK, you can also explore UK visas and visit information .

Does a Non-EU Relative Need a UK ETA?

It depends on the passport the relative will use for travel.

The UK ETA system is based mainly on nationality and immigration status. Being the parent, child, sibling, spouse or other relative of someone in the UK does not automatically qualify you for an ETA.

For example:

• A US citizen visiting a brother in London can generally use the ETA route for a short family visit.

• A Canadian citizen visiting parents in Manchester generally needs an ETA for a short visit.

• A Japanese citizen travelling to see relatives in the UK generally needs an ETA.

• A person holding a passport from a nationality that requires a UK visitor visa generally needs to apply for the appropriate visa instead.

The UK government currently lists countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and many European countries among nationalities that can use the ETA system. The list can change, so travellers should check their nationality before applying.

UK ETA Family Visit: Who Can Use It?

An ETA can cover several common reasons for a short UK trip, including:

• Visiting family or friends

• Tourism and holidays

• Certain business activities

• Certain short-term study

• Transit through the UK in circumstances covered by the ETA rules

An ETA can allow a stay of up to six months, but it does not guarantee entry. Travellers must still meet the relevant UK visitor requirements when they arrive.

What You Cannot Do With a UK ETA

An ETA is designed for short visits. It does not give you permission to:

• Work for a UK company or work as a self-employed person, except where specific permitted exceptions apply

• Claim public funds

• Live in the UK through repeated or successive visits

• Stay for more than six months

• Get married or register a civil partnership under the ETA route

If your actual purpose is to work, settle in the UK or stay for another immigration purpose, you may need a different type of permission.

Do Children Need a UK ETA for Family Visits?

Yes. Every traveller needs their own ETA if they are required to have one, including babies and children.

This is particularly important for families travelling together. Parents should not assume that one parent's ETA covers the entire family.

The UK government confirms that each person travelling as part of a family or group needs an individual ETA. You can apply for an ETA on behalf of another person.

Example: A Family From the USA

Imagine a family of four from the United States travelling to Birmingham to visit grandparents.

The parents and both children need their own ETAs. The applications can be completed for the family members, but each ETA is connected to the individual traveller's passport.

If one family member has a different nationality, do not automatically assume they follow the same route. Check each traveller's passport separately.

ETA vs UK Visitor Visa for Family Visits

One of the biggest sources of confusion is assuming that every foreign relative can apply for an ETA.

That is not the case.

The Standard Visitor visa currently costs £135 for a visit of up to six months. The correct route depends on nationality and circumstances, so travellers should check the UK government's requirements before making travel arrangements.

What Do You Need to Apply for a UK ETA?

The ETA application is digital.

You generally need:

1. The passport you will use for travel

2. An email address

3. A payment method, such as a credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

4. A photo of the applicant's face

5. Passport and personal information requested during the application

The ETA is linked to the passport used in the application. If you receive a new passport later, you may need to apply for a new ETA because the existing authorisation is connected to the original passport.

How Long Does a UK ETA Family Visit Application Take?

The UK government states that applicants will usually receive a decision by email within one day, although it can take up to three working days.

Because processing is not guaranteed to be immediate, it is sensible to apply before your planned trip rather than waiting until the day of departure. You must receive confirmation of your ETA before travelling.

Also remember that members of the same family may receive their decisions at different times.

Can a Family Member Apply for Someone Else?

You can apply for another person's ETA. If the person is with you, the application can be made through the UK ETA app. If they are not with you, the online application process can be used, and you will need the required passport and facial photos.

This can be useful when elderly parents, children or other relatives are travelling and need assistance with the digital application.

What About Non-EU Relatives of UK Citizens?

Being related to a British citizen does not automatically mean a traveller needs an ETA or automatically qualifies for one.

For example, suppose a British citizen lives in the UK and their cousin lives in the USA. The cousin's US passport generally places them in the ETA system for a short family visit.

However, if another relative holds a passport from a country whose citizens require a UK visitor visa, they may need a Standard Visitor visa instead.

There are also specific immigration routes and family permits for certain circumstances involving family members of British, EU, EEA or Swiss citizens. These should not be confused with the standard ETA route.

UK ETA Family Visit: Important Things to Remember

Before travelling, check these points:

• Check every traveller separately.

• Make sure the passport details are entered correctly.

• Apply using the passport you intend to travel with.

• Remember that children and babies may need their own ETA.

• Wait for the ETA approval email before travelling.

• Do not assume that an ETA guarantees entry at the UK border.

• If your nationality requires a visa, apply for the appropriate visitor visa instead.

• Check the rules again if your travel plans or passport changes.

If you are researching UK travel or immigration information, you can also read relevant UK travel updates and guidance on OnlineVisa.uk .

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a UK ETA to visit family in the UK?

If your passport nationality is eligible for the ETA scheme and you are making a qualifying short family visit, you generally need an ETA before travelling. Other nationalities may require a visa instead.

Does every family member need a separate UK ETA?

Yes. Each traveller who requires an ETA needs their own authorisation, including children and babies. One person's ETA does not cover other family members.

How much does a UK ETA cost in 2026?

The current UK government fee for an ETA is £20. The fee is paid when applying and is non-refundable after the application is submitted.

How quickly can I get a UK ETA?

The UK government says you will usually receive a decision by email within one day, but you should allow up to three working days. Do not travel until you receive confirmation of your ETA.

Apply for Your UK Family Visit

Planning to visit relatives in the UK? Check which travel permission applies to your passport and prepare your application before your trip.

Apply now through OnlineVisa.uk UK visa service and make sure your UK family visit is properly prepared before you travel.