UK ETA for Group & Family Travel 2026: Complete Guide for Families

Travelling to the United Kingdom as a family or group requires careful coordination when it comes to UK ETA applications. Each person needs their own individual ETA, and managing multiple applications simultaneously can feel overwhelming. This guide provides everything families and groups need to know about UK ETA requirements for group and family travel in 2026, including step-by-step application advice, tips for travelling with children, and how to coordinate group bookings.

UK ETA Requirements for Families

The fundamental rule is simple: every person entering the UK needs their own individual ETA. There is no family ETA, group ETA, or exemption for children. This applies to:

Key fact: The UK ETA costs £16 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).

• Adults (parents, grandparents, family friends)
• Teenagers
• Children of all ages
• Infants and babies (even newborns)

Each person must have their own passport with an ETA linked to it. Children cannot travel on a parent’s passport for UK entry purposes. If a child does not have their own passport, you must obtain one before applying for their ETA.

Cost for Families

The UK ETA costs £16 per person with no family discount. Budget accordingly:

• Family of 3 (2 adults + 1 child): £60
• Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children): £80
• Family of 5 (2 adults + 3 children): £100
• Extended family group of 10: £200

Remember that each ETA is valid for 2 years, so this investment covers all UK visits within that period.

How to Apply for Multiple ETAs

Applying for Children’s ETAs

Parents or legal guardians apply on behalf of children under 18. You can submit multiple applications through the UK ETA app or the online portal. For each child, you will need:

• The child’s own valid passport
• A recent digital photo of the child meeting ETA photo requirements
• A payment method for the £16 fee per child
• Your contact details as the parent or guardian

Tips for Children’s Photos

Taking acceptable ETA photos of babies and young children is often the most challenging part of the family application process. For babies, lay them on a white sheet and photograph from directly above. For toddlers, sit them in a highchair against a plain wall. Ensure the child’s eyes are open, expression is neutral, and no toys, pacifiers, or hands of the parent are visible. If the photo is rejected, take a new one in better lighting conditions.

Organising Group Applications

For larger groups (extended families, friend groups, tour groups), designate one person as the coordinator responsible for:

• Creating a spreadsheet listing all group members with their passport details and ETA application status
• Setting a deadline for all applications (at least 3 weeks before travel)
• Following up with anyone who has not yet applied
• Collecting ETA confirmation details for the group master list
• Identifying any individuals who may need a visa instead of an ETA

Travelling with Children to the UK

At the Airport

Families with young children should allow extra time at all stages of the journey. Airlines conduct ETA checks before boarding, and having all family passports organised and accessible speeds up this process. At UK border control, children under 10 cannot use e-gates and must go through staffed border control with a parent or guardian. Children aged 10 to 17 may use e-gates at some airports if they have biometric passports. See our UK airports border check guide for detailed arrival information.

Travelling with Children Who Are Not Your Own

If you are travelling with children who are not your biological children (for example, as a step-parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend), Border Force officers may ask questions to ensure the children are travelling with appropriate authorisation. Carry a signed consent letter from the absent parent(s) giving permission for the child to travel with you. The letter should include the parent’s name, signature, contact details, and a copy of their identification. While not legally required, this documentation can prevent significant delays at border control.

Family-Friendly Attractions in the UK

The UK is exceptionally family-friendly, with a huge range of attractions designed for children of all ages. Many of the best museums and galleries are free, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and British Museum in London, and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Theme parks like LEGOLAND Windsor, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and Peppa Pig World at Paulton’s Park are popular with families. For outdoor activities, the Lake District, Snowdonia, and the Scottish Highlands offer spectacular family hiking and nature experiences.

Group Travel Organisation

Mixed Nationality Groups

If your group includes people of different nationalities, be aware that ETA requirements vary. Some nationalities need an ETA, some need a standard visitor visa, and British and Irish citizens need neither. Check each person’s eligibility at the official UK Government ETA page early in your planning process.

Group Accommodation

For larger families and groups, consider holiday rental properties (through Airbnb, Vrbo, or Sykes Cottages) as an alternative to multiple hotel rooms. Holiday cottages and large houses can be more cost-effective and provide shared living spaces, kitchens, and a more relaxed atmosphere than hotels. Many UK holiday properties cater specifically to large groups with features like games rooms, gardens, and multiple bathrooms.

Group Transport

For groups of 5 or more, consider renting a minibus or large vehicle rather than using public transport, especially for countryside itineraries. UK car rental companies offer 7, 9, and 12-seater vehicles suitable for family groups. Check our UK driving guide for licence and road rules information. For city-based trips, public transport with family or group day tickets often provides better value.

Travelling with Elderly Family Members

If your group includes elderly or less mobile family members, the UK is generally well-equipped for accessible travel. Major attractions, museums, and public transport increasingly offer wheelchair access, lifts, and accessible facilities. UK airports provide Special Assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility — contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure to arrange this. At border control, priority lanes and seated waiting areas are available for elderly passengers and those with disabilities.

When planning your itinerary, research the accessibility of each attraction in advance. The National Trust and English Heritage websites include detailed accessibility information for their properties. London’s Tube network has many step-free stations (check the Transport for London website for details), and all London buses are wheelchair accessible. Taxi services including licensed black cabs are also wheelchair accessible.

Family Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance for the whole family is essential when visiting the UK. Many insurers offer family policies that cover two adults and all children under 18 at a lower combined price than individual policies. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies (minimum £1 million recommended), trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability for all family members. If any family member has a pre-existing medical condition, declare this when purchasing the policy to avoid complications with claims. Also check that the policy covers each child for the activities you plan (some adventure activities may need additional cover).

ETA Application Troubleshooting for Families

When submitting multiple ETA applications, common issues include rejected photos (particularly for young children), payment errors when processing multiple £16 fees in quick succession (banks may flag this as unusual activity), and accidentally entering incorrect passport details when switching between family members’ documents. To avoid problems, apply for each family member one at a time, double-checking all passport details against the physical passport before submitting. If your bank blocks multiple payments, call them to authorise the transactions. For photo issues, see our UK ETA app troubleshooting guide.

Creating a Family UK Itinerary

When planning a family trip to the UK, the key to a successful holiday is balancing adult cultural interests with exciting child-friendly activities that keep everyone happy and engaged throughout the trip. A good rule is to plan one major attraction per day and leave plenty of free time for spontaneous exploration. Children tire more quickly than adults, so build in rest periods, playground visits, and snack breaks. The UK has excellent parks and green spaces in every city — London alone has eight Royal Parks, all free to visit. Alternating between indoor museums and outdoor activities helps maintain everyone’s energy and interest throughout the trip.

For families with teenagers, consider including experiences that appeal to their interests, such as the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour, Premier League stadium tours, escape rooms, or the London Dungeons. Teenagers also appreciate having some independence, so in safe areas you might allow older teens to explore a museum or shopping area on their own while you take younger children to a playground. Having a UK SIM card on each family member’s phone makes it easy to stay in touch throughout the day. See our UK SIM card guide for connectivity options.

Budget Tips for Family UK Travel

• Free museums: Most major UK museums are free, saving families hundreds of pounds. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, and many more are completely free to visit.
• Family railcards: The Family & Friends Railcard costs £30 per year and gives one-third off adult fares and 60% off children’s fares. It pays for itself after just a couple of journeys.
• Kids eat free: Many UK restaurant chains and pubs offer “kids eat free” deals, particularly during school holidays and at specific meal times.
• Supermarket picnics: UK supermarkets sell excellent ready-made sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for far less than restaurant meals. London’s parks and green spaces are perfect for picnics.
• Attraction passes: The London Pass, English Heritage membership, and National Trust membership offer discounted access to multiple attractions and can save money for families visiting several paid sites.

Official Sources & References

1. UK Government — Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation
2. UK Home Office — ETA Factsheet
3. UK Government — Faster and More Secure Borders
4. Visit Britain — Getting to Britain

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one parent apply for ETAs for the whole family?

One parent can submit ETA applications for all family members, including the other parent and all children. Each application is separate and requires individual passport details and a separate £16 payment, but they can all be submitted from the same device and email address.

What if one family member’s ETA is refused?

If one family member’s ETA is refused, this does not affect the approved ETAs of other family members. However, the family will need to decide whether to travel without the refused member or delay the trip while resolving the issue. See our guide on what to do if your UK ETA is refused.

Do babies really need their own ETA?

Yes. Even newborn babies need their own passport and their own UK ETA to enter the United Kingdom. There are no age exemptions. Each baby’s ETA costs £16, the same as an adult’s.

Can extended family members sponsor our UK visit?

If you have family in the UK, they can provide a letter of invitation and accommodation details to support your ETA application and border control process. However, the ETA application itself is the responsibility of each individual traveller (or parent for children). UK-based family members cannot submit ETA applications on behalf of overseas relatives.

Is there a group booking system for UK ETAs?

No. There is no group booking or batch application system for UK ETAs. Each application must be submitted individually with unique passport details and a separate payment. For organised groups like school trips, this means each participant’s parent must submit their own child’s application.

Planning a family UK trip? Start by applying for UK ETAs for all family members. Check our guides on London day trips and best UK cities for family travel inspiration. Visit VisitBritain for family holiday ideas.