Photo of teenagers at the airport.

How do I apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

Everything you need to know about the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. An ETA is a digital permit that allows people to travel to the UK country without a visa.

ETA app. logo

How do I apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for my child?

It is easy to apply for an ETA:

  • The best way to apply is by downloading the UK government app. on your smartphone from the App Store or from Google Play.
  • You will get a faster decision if you apply using the app.
  • Using the app makes it easier to take photos of your child and his/her passport.

The app includes useful information about how to apply.

If you do not have a compatible smartphone, it is also possible to apply through the UK government website.

Watch this video guide from the UK government about how to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):

Should I apply for an ETA using my phone or my child’s phone?

  • It does not matter if you use your phone or your child’s phone to apply for an ETA. The reason is that the ETA will be digitally linked to your child’s passport.
  • However, you must be with your child when you apply. This is because you will need to use the phone’s camera to scan their face.
  • If you are applying for someone who is not with you, you should apply online.

How long does it take to apply for an ETA?

  • It only takes about 10 minutes to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

How long does it take to get the result of an ETA application?

  • Usually the result will be ready in 3 working days.
  • However, we strongly recommend applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to apply for an ETA?

  • It costs £10 to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

What do I need before I apply for an ETA?

To apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) you will need:

  • Your child’s passport (the original document – NOT a photocopy).
  • A photograph of your child.
  • A credit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay.

*If your child does not have a passport, please apply for a passport as soon as possible.*

How will my child prove that they have an ETA at the airport? Is there a certificate?

  • After you have completed the application you will receive an email and a reference number to show that you have applied for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
  • Your child’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be digitally linked to the passport they applied with. So when travelling, your child will only need to show their passport.

Who needs to apply for an ETA?

  • All students who are from countries not requiring a visa to enter the UK, must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Who does not need an ETA?

Regarding teenage summer school students:

  • Students who are from a country requiring a visa to enter the UK, do not need an ETA as well.
  • If you have a British passport, you do not need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

How long is an ETA valid for?

  • An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

Can I use an Electronic Travel Authorisation ETA for multiple entries (trips) to the UK?

  • Yes, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) allows you to make multiple trips to the UK.

When can I apply for an ETA?

Citizens from the follow countries can apply from March 5, 2025:

  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • San Marino
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Vatican City

Citizens from the follow countries can apply now:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • The Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Costa Rica
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Kiribati
  • Kuwait
  • Macao Special Administrative Region
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Nauru
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Oman
  • Palau
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Qatar
  • Samoa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Korea
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tuvalu
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States
  • Uruguay

Citizens from other countries (not listed above) cannot apply for an ETA.

Check if your child will need a visa on the UK government website.

For more information

For more information about how to apply for an ETA, please visit  the UK government website or call More Than English: +44 1584 812562 (office).