Travellers from visa-free countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, need a UK ETA for short stays in the United Kingdom.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
£20Application fee
MinutesAutomatic decision for most applicants
2 yearsValidity
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital travel permission that travellers from visa-free countries need before visiting the United Kingdom for tourism, business, short courses of study or transit. It is not a visa.
Read more about the UK ETA
Travellers from visa-free countries, including Australia and New Zealand, need a UK ETA for short stays anywhere in the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Check whether you need a UK ETA
Scotland
NorthernTo apply for a UK ETA, you need the following:
You apply through the official UK ETA app.
The UK ETA covers travel to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Ireland is not included. The rules also apply in transit, depending on whether you stay airside or pass through to landside.
More about the travel rulesWhat applies to travellers from Australia and New Zealand, including how long the ETA is valid, which trips it covers and common questions.
Read more for Australian and New Zealand citizens
When to apply and how long your ETA remains valid.
The ETA is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued and allows multiple trips to the UK. If your passport expires within those 2 years, the ETA expires with it. In that case, renew your passport first and then apply for the ETA.
Most applicants receive an automatic decision within a few minutes through the UK ETA app. Apply at least 3 working days before you travel, as a small number of applications need further checks. Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email. You do not usually need to show the ETA number at the border, but it is worth keeping the confirmation (a screenshot or printout).
Whether you need an ETA when changing planes depends on the type of transit.
If you do not pass through UK border control and stay in the airport transit area, you usually do not need an ETA. If you leave the transit area, for example for an overnight stay or to change to another airport, you will need an ETA.
If you pass through UK border control, for example when travelling by Eurostar (the train through the Channel Tunnel) or by ferry, you will normally need an ETA.
Australian and New Zealand citizens can visit the UK without a visa for stays of up to 6 months. They must, however, hold a UK ETA before travelling. This applies to holidays, business trips, family visits and transit.
Every Australian and New Zealand citizen travelling to the UK for a short stay, including children and infants. Each person needs their own separate application.
The ETA belongs to the passport you applied with. If you get a new passport, you must apply again, even if there is time left on the 2 years.
London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and other cities. A single ETA covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
At least 3 working days before departure. Most decisions are made automatically within a few minutes, but a small number of applications need further checks.
Yes. Travellers from visa-free countries, including Australia and New Zealand, must hold a UK ETA before travelling to the UK. This applies to tourism, business, family visits and transit.
The UK ETA costs £20. It is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued and allows multiple trips to the UK, each of up to 6 months.
The UK ETA is a simplified digital authorisation for short stays (up to 6 months). It costs £20 and you apply online. A UK visa requires an appointment at a visa application centre, costs from £100 and allows longer stays or work.
Yes. Every traveller needs their own UK ETA, whatever their age, including babies and children. A parent or guardian can apply on the child's behalf using the child's passport.
No. The UK ETA is linked to the passport you applied with. If you get a new passport, you need to apply for a new ETA, even if your current one has not yet expired.
If you pass through border control during your connection (for example to change terminals or collect your luggage), you need a UK ETA. For transit without crossing the border (airside), you usually do not need one. It is still advisable to confirm the rules with your airline and the airport.
The most important news about the UK ETA, fees and UK entry rules.
Alongside the ETA, other Home Office fees also rose from 8 April 2026, including those for entry visas, settlement and citizenship.
From 8 April 2026, the UK ETA costs £20 instead of the previous £16 (an increase of 25%). The date of your application is what counts.
Before you leave, it is sensible to check the latest safety advice and make sure that your passport and ETA are both valid.
Apply for your UK ETA and get a quick decision.
