What Are the New UK ETA Requirements for Entry in 2026?
Learn the UK ETA requirements 2026, including who needs an ETA, the £20 fee, validity, application process, exemptions, and new entry rules.
The UK introduced stricter ETA enforcement on 25 February 2026. Since then, eligible non-visa nationals must have an approved ETA, visa, or another valid immigration permission before travelling to the UK. Airlines can prevent passengers from boarding if they do not have the required permission.
This guide explains the UK ETA requirements 2026, who needs an ETA, how much it costs, how long it is valid, and what travellers should know before booking their UK trip.
What Is a UK ETA?
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital travel permission for eligible travellers who can visit the UK without applying for a traditional visitor visa.
An ETA is linked electronically to the passport used during the application. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the UK. Travellers must still meet the UK's border requirements when they arrive.
Under the current UK ETA requirements 2026, an ETA can generally allow eligible visitors to travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or friends, business activities, and certain short-term study.
What Changed Under the UK ETA Requirements 2026?
One of the biggest changes in 2026 is that the UK is now actively enforcing the ETA requirement for eligible non-visa nationals.
Since 25 February 2026, travellers who need an ETA but do not have one can be stopped from boarding their flight or other transport to the UK. This makes obtaining an ETA an important step before travelling.
The ETA Fee Increased in 2026
The UK ETA application fee increased from £16 to £20 from 8 April 2026. This is one of the key changes travellers should consider when planning their trip.
The fee applies when making an ETA application, and the current GOV.UK application service states that the fee is non-refundable after the application has been submitted.
Who Needs a UK ETA in 2026?
Most visitors from countries that do not normally require a UK visitor visa now need an ETA before travelling to the UK.
This includes eligible nationals from countries such as:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- France
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
The exact list depends on the nationality shown on the traveller's passport, and the UK government can change eligibility rules. The official ETA national list should therefore be checked before every trip.
The UK ETA requirements 2026 also changed for some nationalities. For example, nationals of Nicaragua and Saint Lucia can no longer obtain an ETA and may need to apply for a visa instead.
Who Does Not Need a UK ETA?
Not every traveller needs an ETA.
You generally do not need an ETA if you are:
- A British citizen travelling with a valid British passport
- An Irish citizen
- A person who already has a valid UK visa
- Someone with permission to live, work, or study in the UK
- A person with settled or pre-settled status
- A British National (Overseas) passport holder
- A British Overseas Territories citizen travelling on the relevant passport
- Certain people travelling through the UK without passing border control
There are also specific exemptions for certain travellers and situations.
If you are unsure whether you need an ETA or a visa, check your immigration requirements before making travel arrangements. For travellers who need a traditional visa, an Online Visa Application may be required instead.
What Are the Main UK ETA Requirements 2026?
Travellers applying for an ETA need to provide several basic details.
1. A Valid Passport
You need the passport you will use to travel to the UK. Your ETA is electronically linked to this passport.
If your passport expires or you get a new passport, your existing ETA cannot simply be transferred to the new passport. You will generally need to apply for a new ETA.
2. An Email Address
You need an email address that the UK authorities can use to contact you about your application.
The decision and ETA reference information are sent electronically.
3. A Recent Facial Photo
The ETA application requires a photo of the applicant's face. Applicants using the mobile application can use their phone camera as part of the process.
4. Payment
The current ETA fee is £20. Travellers should apply through the official UK ETA service and be careful when using third-party websites that may charge additional service fees.
How Long Is a UK ETA Valid?
One useful feature of the UK ETA requirements 2026 is that an approved ETA can be used for multiple journeys.
An ETA normally remains valid for two years or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever happens first.
For example, if you receive an ETA in September 2026 and your passport expires in March 2027, the ETA will only remain valid until the passport expires.
If you renew your passport, you will normally need to apply for another ETA.
How Long Can You Stay in the UK With an ETA?
An ETA can allow eligible visitors to travel to the UK for up to six months for permitted purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, business visits, or short-term study.
However, an ETA does not give permission to live permanently in the UK.
It also does not normally allow visitors to work for a UK company or work as a self-employed person. Certain specific permitted activities have their own rules.
How to Apply for a UK ETA in 2026
The application process is designed to be completed online or through the UK ETA mobile application.
Step 1: Prepare Your Passport
Have the passport you intend to use for your UK journey available.
Step 2: Provide Your Personal Information
Enter the requested information carefully, including your personal and passport details.
Step 3: Submit Your Photo
You will need to provide a suitable facial photograph as part of the application.
Step 4: Pay the £20 Fee
Complete the payment using an accepted payment method.
Step 5: Wait for the Decision
The UK government says applicants will usually receive a decision by email within a day, although it can take up to three working days. Travellers should wait for confirmation before travelling.
Does an ETA Guarantee Entry to the UK?
No. This is an important point in the UK ETA requirements 2026.
An ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK, but it does not automatically guarantee admission.
When you arrive, UK Border Force can still assess whether you meet the conditions for entry. An ETA can therefore be viewed as a travel authorisation rather than a guarantee of entry.
What Happens If You Travel Without an ETA?
If you are a traveller who requires an ETA and you do not have one, you may be prevented from boarding your flight or other transport to the UK.
The UK began enforcing this requirement for non-visa nationals from 25 February 2026.
For this reason, travellers should not leave their ETA application until the last moment.
UK ETA Requirements 2026: Important Tips for Travellers
Before travelling, keep these points in mind:
- Check whether your nationality requires an ETA.
- Apply using the passport you will actually travel with.
- Make sure your passport information is accurate.
- Use a valid email address.
- Check your ETA confirmation before travelling.
- Remember that an ETA is linked to your passport.
- Apply for a new ETA if you receive a new passport.
- Do not assume an ETA guarantees entry.
- Check whether you need a visa if your travel purpose is not covered by an ETA.
- Allow enough time for your application to be processed.
These simple steps can help avoid problems at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK ETA Requirements 2026
1. Is a UK ETA mandatory in 2026?
Yes, eligible non-visa nationals generally need an approved ETA before travelling to the UK. The UK began enforcing this requirement on 25 February 2026.
2. How much does a UK ETA cost in 2026?
The UK ETA currently costs £20. The fee increased from £16 to £20 on 8 April 2026.
3. How long does a UK ETA last?
An ETA normally lasts for two years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first.
4. Can I visit the UK multiple times with one ETA?
Yes. An approved ETA can normally be used for multiple journeys during its validity period, subject to the conditions of the ETA.
5. Do British citizens need a UK ETA?
British citizens do not need an ETA when travelling to the UK with a valid British passport.
6. Does an ETA allow me to work in the UK?
No. An ETA does not generally allow ordinary paid or unpaid employment for a UK company or self-employment. If you intend to work in the UK, you should check which visa or immigration route applies to you.
7. Can I apply for an ETA after arriving in the UK?
The ETA is a requirement for eligible travellers before they travel to the UK. You should obtain the required permission before your journey rather than waiting until arrival.
Conclusion
The UK ETA requirements 2026 have made travel preparation more important for visitors who previously could enter the UK without a visa. Since February 2026, eligible non-visa nationals must have an ETA or another valid form of immigration permission before travelling.
The ETA currently costs £20 and is normally valid for two years or until the linked passport expires. It can support multiple trips to the UK, but it does not guarantee entry or provide permission to work or live in the country.
If you are planning a UK trip in 2026, check your nationality, travel purpose, passport details, and ETA status well before departure. Understanding the UK ETA requirements 2026 in advance can help make your journey smoother and reduce the risk of being unable to board your flight.
