UK: ETA strictly enforced since 25 February 2026 – £16, soon £20
· · Visa & Relocation Agentur
Without an Electronic Travel Authorisation, check-in has been refused since late February. This affects EU citizens and all other visa-exempt travellers.
Key facts
Transition period ended on 25 February 2026 – since then no entry and no boarding without an ETA.
Fee: £16 (approx. €18); the UK government has announced an increase to £20, date open.
Validity: 2 years or until a new passport; unlimited trips of up to 6 months.
Exempt: British and Irish citizens, holders of a UK visa or immigration status.
Apply only via the official “UK ETA” app or gov.uk.
Who needs an ETA
Everyone who could previously travel to the UK without a visa: EU and EEA citizens, Swiss, Americans, Canadians, Australians, Japanese and many more. Transit passengers passing through border control need one too. Holders of a UK visa or immigration status (e.g. EU Settlement Scheme) do not.
How to apply
Apply in the app or online: scan the passport, take a selfie, answer a few questions, pay by card. The decision usually arrives within minutes, officially up to three working days. The ETA is linked digitally to the passport – no printout needed.
Our advice
Apply at least a week before departure; answer questions on past convictions or refusals truthfully, otherwise refusal and a visa requirement follow. If the ETA is refused, a Standard Visitor Visa (£135) is the route – we prepare the application.
FAQ
Do I need an ETA to change planes in London?
If you pass border control (re-checking bags, changing airport), yes. Pure airside transit is exempt – when in doubt, apply.
Is the ETA valid for Ireland?
No. Ireland has its own entry rules; the ETA covers the United Kingdom only.