What travel documents do I need to travel to the UK? How do I register for ETA and how long is it valid for?
ETA Electronic Travel Authorisation
From 2 April 2025, travellers from all countries except Ireland and the UK must complete and pay for an ETA before travelling to the UK.
This rule also applies to citizens of all countries in the European Union, of which the UK was previously part.
For details, visit the official website: gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
When do I need to apply for an ETA
An Electronic Travel Authorisation must be completed by all travellers from all countries heading to the UK by air, boat, train and car.
This rule also applies when crossing the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland by land, unless you are resident in Ireland.
You must also apply for an ETA if you are only changing at a UK airport and have to leave the transit zone during your transfer. Please note that some UK airports do not have a direct transit option and you will always have to leave the transit zone and therefore pay and complete an ETA - this applies for example to London Stansted STN, London Luton LTN, Edinburgh EDI, Glasgow GLA, Bristol BRS.
When do I not need to apply for an ETA
You do not need to complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation in the following cases:
- you have a standard UK visa
- you have permission to stay or study in the UK
- you are transiting through a UK airport and are not leaving the transit zone (there is a direct transfer option for example at London Heathrow LHR, London Gatwick LGW or Manchester MAN)
- you are a British or Irish citizen
- you have leave to remain in Ireland
How to apply for an ETA
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is completed exclusively through the official government website.
- UK ETA mobile app (available on Google Play / App Store)
- Online at apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk
To complete an ETA you will need your current passport that you will be travelling to the UK with and a mobile phone with a camera.
You will need to upload a photo of your passport page and a selfie photo for the ETA.
What is the cost of the ETA and how long is it valid for?
ETA to the UK costs 10 gbp.
An ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of first travel and is valid for an unlimited number of subsequent trips.
If your passport expires before your ETA, you will need to apply for a new permit for an additional £10.
How long does it take to process an ETA?
Complete your electronic travel authorisation in good time!
It can take up to 3 working days to process, however, usually the application is approved or refused significantly sooner.
If you need to travel to the UK at the last minute, it is possible to do so before receiving a processing/denial advice, but you will have a more detailed interview with an immigration officer once you arrive.
However, you must always complete an ETA before entering the UK.
Passport or ID card?
The UK is not a member of the EU from 2021, so an ID card is not sufficient for entry , but a passport is required. Travellers with only an ID card will not be allowed into the UK.
Passport validity
The UK does not require a passport validity significantly beyond the intended stay, it is sufficient that the passport is only valid for the period of travel in the UK.
Travel documents for children
If you have children under the age of 15 travelling with you, then remember they need their own passport. It is not possible to travel with a child without a passport who is only registered on the parent's passport.
Customs regulations
You are allowed to import goods into the UK duty free for your own use. In the case of alcohol, this includes:
- up to 42 litres of beer
- max. 18 litres of wine
- max. 4 litres of spirits
In the case of tobacco and cigarettes, the following can be imported duty free:
- 200 cigarettes
- 50 cigars
- 100 cigars
- 250 g of tobacco
For up-to-date and detailed information, see the UK government website gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use.
