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Verified June 2026

What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is Britain’s pre-travel permission for visa-exempt visitors. It is not a visa, and it has nothing to do with Schengen or ETIAS - your days in the UK never touch your 90/180 Schengen allowance.

Cost
£20
Validity
2 years
Per visit
6 months
Covers
All of the UK

Who needs a UK ETA?

You need a UK ETA if you are a visitor who does not need a visa for short stays and you do not already hold UK immigration status. That now includes nationals of the US, Canada, Australia, the Gulf states, and - since spring 2025 - Europeans and most other visa-exempt visitors.

You do not need one if you hold a British or Irish passport, already have a UK visa, or have permission to live, work or study in the UK. The page for US citizens covers the most-searched case in detail.

It is not Schengen, and not ETIAS

This trips up a lot of travellers. The United Kingdom left the EU and was never in the Schengen area, so it runs its own border system. A trip to London does not spend any of your Schengen days, and an approved ETIAS does nothing for UK entry - and vice versa. If your itinerary mixes the two (say London and Paris), you will need both authorisations.

The practical upshot: the UK can be a useful place to wait while your Schengen days roll off - work out the exact date with the “when can I return” calculator. And see is the UK in Schengen? for the full explanation.

UK ETA guides

Frequently asked questions

What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel to the United Kingdom, linked to your passport. It is not a visa- it is a pre-travel check for visitors who do not need a visa, similar in spirit to the US ESTA or the EU’s ETIAS.

Does the UK ETA cover all of the UK?

Yes. One ETA covers the whole United Kingdom - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - plus it is the requirement for entering through any UK port or airport, including when you are only transiting.

How much does the UK ETA cost and how long is it valid?

The fee is £20. An ETA is valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each. See the UK ETA cost page.

Do UK days count towards my Schengen 90/180?

No. The UK is not in the Schengen area, so time spent in Britain does not use up your Schengen 90/180 allowance - they are completely separate systems. See is the UK in Schengen?

Is the UK ETA the same as ETIAS?

No. The UK ETA is for the United Kingdom; ETIAS is for the Schengen area and a handful of other European countries. They are run by different governments, cost different amounts and are valid for different periods. See UK ETA vs ETIAS.

How do I apply for a UK ETA?

Through the official UK ETA app or on gov.uk/eta. Most decisions come quickly, but allow up to three working days. Never pay a third-party “service” - they charge extra for the same thing.

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