UK ETA and Ireland Travel 2026: Do Children Need UK ETA?

Additionally, planning to travel between the UK and Ireland? Or wondering if your children need a UK ETA? These are two of the most searched questions about the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation. This guide provides clear answers about the Common Travel Area, children’s ETA requirements, and how to plan a trip that includes both the UK and Ireland.

UK ETA and Ireland: Understanding the Common Travel Area

Do I Need a UK ETA to Travel Between UK and Ireland?

This depends on your direction of travel and nationality:

Key fact: The UK ETA costs £20 per application, is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows unlimited visits of up to 6 months each. Citizens from 48 eligible countries must obtain an ETA before travelling (Source: GOV.UK).

Travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland (UK)

If you are a non-British/Irish national travelling from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland by land, there are generally no routine immigration checks at the border. However, you are legally required to have a UK ETA if you are entering the UK, even via the land border.

Travelling from UK to Republic of Ireland

Furthermore, the Republic of Ireland has its own immigration system entirely separate from the UK. Your UK ETA does not permit entry to Ireland. You may need a separate Irish visa depending on your nationality.

Flying Between UK and Ireland

When flying between the UK and Ireland, immigration checks apply. You will need:

• A valid UK ETA for UK entry/re-entry
• Appropriate Irish immigration permission for Ireland entry

Planning a Trip to Both UK and Ireland

Moreover, if your itinerary includes both countries, here is what you need:

Do Children Need a UK ETA?

Yes, children of all ages need their own UK ETA. There is no minimum age exemption. Every traveller, from newborn babies to elderly passengers, requires an approved ETA before travelling to the UK.

UK ETA Requirements for Children

How to Apply for a Child’s UK ETA

Additionally, the application process for children is the same as for adults, with a few additional considerations:

Step 1: Ensure Child Has Own Passport

In addition, each child must have their own individual passport. Children cannot be included on a parent’s passport for UK ETA purposes. If your child does not have a passport, obtain one before applying.

Step 2: Take a Compliant Photo

Children’s photos must meet the same UK ETA photo requirements as adults, with these accommodations:

• Babies: Lay on white sheet, photograph from above, eyes should be open
• Toddlers: Adult may support child from behind (not visible in photo)
• All children: No toys, dummies, or objects in the photo

Step 3: Complete the Application

Therefore, a parent or legal guardian can complete the ETA application on behalf of a child through the UK ETA app or website. You will need the child’s passport details, a compliant photo, and a parent/guardian’s contact details.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

Furthermore, each child’s ETA requires a separate £20 fee. There is no family discount or bundled pricing. For a family of four, the total ETA cost would be £64 (4 × £20).

Family ETA Cost Calculator

Children Travelling Without Parents

Consequently, if a child is travelling to the UK without their parents (e.g., with grandparents, school group, or unaccompanied), the child still needs:

• Their own valid passport
• Their own approved UK ETA
• Written consent from parents/guardians (recommended)
• Contact details of the responsible adult in the UK

UK Border Force may ask additional questions when children arrive without their parents. Having proper documentation prevents delays and ensures a smooth entry.

Related Guides

• How to Apply for UK ETA Online 2026
• UK ETA for US Citizens
• UK ETA for Families and Children Guide
• Can I Travel to UK with Ireland Visa?
• Passport Validity for UK ETA

As a result, need help applying for your family’s ETAs? VisaETA.uk offers professional application assistance ensuring every family member’s ETA is completed accurately (£80 per person, including £20 gov fee).

Official Sources & References

This guide is based on official UK government sources. All information is current as of 2026.

1. UK Government — Apply for an ETA
2. UK Government — ETA Guidance
3. UK Government — Check If You Need a UK Visa
4. UK Government — Standard Visitor
5. VisitBritain — Getting to Britain

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a UK ETA to travel from UK to Ireland?

Moreover, a UK ETA only covers the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). It does not grant entry to the Republic of Ireland, which has its own immigration system. You may need a separate Irish visa depending on your nationality.

Do children need their own UK ETA?

For this reason, yes, every child of any age needs their own individual UK ETA. There is no minimum age exemption. Each child must have their own passport, a compliant photo, and a separate ETA application with the £20 fee.

Can I travel from Ireland to Northern Ireland without a UK ETA?

While there are no routine immigration checks at the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border under the Common Travel Area, you are legally required to have a UK ETA to enter Northern Ireland if you are a national of one of the 85 ETA-required countries.

How much does UK ETA cost for a family of four?

The total cost for a family of four is £64 (4 × £20 government fee per person). Each family member, including babies and children, requires their own separate ETA application and payment. There are no family discounts available.

Can a parent apply for their child’s UK ETA?

Yes, a parent or legal guardian can complete the UK ETA application on behalf of their child through the UK ETA app or GOV.UK website. You will need the child’s passport details, a compliant photo of the child, and the parent’s contact information for notifications.

Additional travel preparation essentials

Before you travel, double-check three practical points that often catch first-time UK ETA applicants by surprise. First, confirm your passport’s validity: while the ETA itself requires a biometric e-passport, UK border officials also verify that your passport will remain valid for the duration of your intended stay. Second, prepare your accommodation address: even though the ETA application does not require a hotel reservation, border officers may ask where you’ll be staying, so have a confirmation email or address ready on your phone. Third, carry proof of onward or return travel: a printed flight itinerary or train ticket showing you’ll leave the UK within the permitted 6-month window helps avoid unnecessary questioning at passport control.

Frequently asked questions

How long does ETA approval usually take?

Most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours, though the UK Home Office advises allowing up to 3 working days for processing. Apply at least 4-7 days before your flight to leave buffer for edge cases — additional security checks, biometric verification re-runs, technical delays. Last-minute applications may be approved in time, but if there’s any delay you risk being denied boarding, so don’t leave it to the final 24 hours unless absolutely necessary.

What documents should I keep accessible during my trip?

Always carry your passport (in original, not photocopy), the ETA approval email printed or saved offline on your phone, proof of accommodation for your first night, return travel confirmation, and a backup payment method. While the ETA is biometrically linked to your passport (no separate document needed), having the approval email accessible can resolve disputes quickly if border systems are temporarily slow or offline.

Where can I check the latest UK ETA policy updates?

The official UK government ETA portal is the only authoritative source for fees, eligible nationalities, and procedural changes. Avoid third-party sites that often charge inflated fees and may show outdated information. The Home Office typically announces major policy changes at least 30 days in advance, and travel-industry news sites (BBC Travel, Conde Nast, Skyscanner) often summarise the changes within hours.