EU and EEA Citizens Visiting the UK: ETA Entry Requirements

Who this guide is for

This guide is for EU, EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Swiss citizens planning a short tourist visit, family visit or transit through the United Kingdom. It is based on UK Government official guidance and the Home Office ETA factsheet published April 2026.

This guide does not cover: British citizens, Irish citizens, those with existing UK visas or permission to live in the UK, people with Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or those seeking to work or study in the UK.

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The UK ETA: what changed and when

Before Brexit, EU citizens could enter the UK freely with an ID card or passport. That arrangement ended.

From 2 April 2025, most EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. This applies to:

• Tourists and holidaymakers
• Visitors seeing family or friends
• Business visitors attending meetings or conferences
• Transit passengers passing through a UK airport

The ETA is not a visa. You do not need an appointment at a consulate. It is an online pre-authorisation linked to your passport.

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What the ETA covers

A granted UK ETA:

• Is valid for up to 2 years from the date of approval, or until the passport it is linked to expires — whichever comes first.
• Allows multiple trips to the UK during its validity.
• Permits stays of up to 6 months per visit.
• Covers tourism, visiting family, short business visits and transit.

The ETA does not permit paid work, extended study or settling in the UK.

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Cost and how to apply

The UK ETA costs £10 per application.

Where to apply (official only):

• GOV.UK ETA guidance: gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
• The official UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android)

⚠️ Do not use third-party websites that are not on the .gov.uk domain. They may charge significantly more than £10 for the same application and are not operated by the UK government.

Processing time: Most applications are decided within minutes. A small number take up to 72 hours or, in rare cases, longer. Apply before confirming travel plans.

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Who is exempt from the UK ETA

The following people do not need a UK ETA:

• British citizens
• Irish citizens
• People with a valid UK visa or leave to remain
• Those with Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Certain diplomatic passport holders

For the full up-to-date exemption list, check the GOV.UK exemptions guidance.

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What to carry when entering the UK

Border Force officers at UK airports and ports can ask questions about your visit. Carry:

• Your passport (ETA is linked to the passport number — do not travel on a new passport if your ETA was applied for using an old one)
• Accommodation details
• Return or onward travel booking
• Evidence of funds for the trip
• Contact details in the UK (if visiting friends or family)

An approved ETA is a permission to request entry, not a guarantee. The Border Force officer makes the final entry decision.

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Important: travelling on the right passport

Your ETA is linked to a specific passport number. If you renew your passport after applying for an ETA, you need to apply for a new ETA for the new passport before travelling. The old ETA does not transfer automatically.

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Pre-travel checklist

1. Check whether you need a UK ETA (most EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do).
2. Apply via the official GOV.UK page or UK ETA app — not a third-party site.
3. Confirm the ETA is linked to the passport you are travelling on.
4. Carry accommodation and return travel confirmation.
5. Read the latest GOV.UK UK border guidance before travel.

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Sources

Checked on 25 July 2026 against UK Government official guidance.

• GOV.UK: Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen
• UK Home Office: ETA factsheet April 2026
• GOV.UK: Apply for an ETA