Electronic Travel Authorisation
ETA · Official name: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Visitors who do not need a visa (for example from Europe, the USA, Australia and Canada) need an ETA before travelling to the UK. It costs £20, is applied for online or in the UK ETA app, and allows visits of up to 6 months. Every traveller, including babies, needs their own. British and Irish citizens and people who already have UK permission to live, work or study do not need one.
Visiting United Kingdom
Add your passport to your profile, or check it here, to see exactly what you need to visit.
What you should know
Recent official changes in United Kingdom
- ChangeVisasPublished 3 Sept 2026· From 8 Oct 2026
UK rule changes: Start-up route closed, Erasmus+ added, student funds rise
From 8 October 2026 the Start-up route closes to new main applicants, Erasmus+ participants get new visitor and student options, and BN(O) children can settle with their parents without 5 years' residence. Student maintenance funds rise from 30 November 2026.
EveryoneOfficial notice - ChangeVisasPublished 9 Jul 2026· From 30 Jul 2026
UK rule changes: Graduate-route babies and Indian diplomatic visas
Children born in the UK during a parent's Graduate permission can apply as dependants, and Indian diplomatic passport holders can normally get a two-year multi-entry visit visa. Suspended sentences become a refusal ground for ETAs.
EveryoneOfficial notice
Notices are summarised in our own words. The official notice is what counts.
Ways to save in United Kingdom
Free passes, discounts and programmes from official sources. Those you may qualify for come first.
Free entry to many Historic Environment Scotland sites, including Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castles, for 14 consecutive days from your start date. Sites in the care of the National Trust for Scotland or private trusts are not included, and the list of sites changes between summer and winter, so check current prices and the site list.
EveryoneFamiliesScots aged 7 to 25 who hold a Young Scot or National Entitlement Card can visit Historic Environment Scotland sites for a reduced entry price (listed as £1 on the Urquhart Castle page). It is for Scottish card holders and is booked online; confirm which sites take part when you book.
ResidentsYouthStudentsVisiting children aged 11 to 15 can have this discount added to an Oyster or Visitor Oyster card for up to 14 days. Take the card to TfL staff at most Tube stations or a TfL Visitor Centre to have it added. Each child needs their own card.
FamiliesYouthUK residents aged 11 to 15 can apply for this photocard. It gives free travel on London buses and trams and child-rate fares on the Tube and rail services in London.
ResidentsYouthFamilies
Offers and conditions change; check the official page before you go.
Life in United Kingdom
Finance
3
Currency
British Pound
GBP
British Pound
Cost of living
92
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20% · social security 8%
Personal allowance GBP 12,570 (tapered away above GBP 100,000); 40% from GBP 50,271 and 45% above GBP 125,140. Scotland sets different bands and rates.
Living
1
Happiness
#27 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Visa-exempt visitors, and some airside transit passengers who pass through UK border control.
Eligibility
Nationality
Sign in to check this route against your profileAn ETA (not a visa) is usually needed by people from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and certain other countries; others need a visit visa.
Who does not need one
Sign in to check this route against your profileBritish or Irish passport holders and people with permission to live, work or study in the UK.
Every traveller
Sign in to check this route against your profileEach person needs their own ETA, including babies and children. Someone can apply on behalf of others.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
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- 1 more requirement
- 2 documents
- 1 fee
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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