UK ETA Requirements by Country — Find Information in Your Language (2026 Guide)

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is now a mandatory requirement for visitors from over 30 countries who wish to enter the United Kingdom without a visa. Understanding the UK ETA requirements by country is essential for planning your trip, as each nationality may face slightly different rules, fees, and processing expectations. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the ETA system, organised by region and country, so you can find the information most relevant to your journey.

Since 25 February 2026, the UK ETA has been fully enforced for all eligible nationalities. Whether you are travelling from Europe, the Americas, Asia, or the Middle East, you must obtain your ETA before boarding any transport to the UK. Below, we cover the UK ETA requirements by country, link to dedicated guides for each nationality, and provide resources in multiple languages for non-English speakers.

What Is the UK ETA and Who Needs It?

The UK ETA is a digital travel authorisation linked to your passport. It costs £10 (with a planned increase to £20 in 2026) and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The ETA allows multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to six months per visit. It is not a visa — it is a pre-screening tool designed to enhance the UK’s digital border security.

Citizens of EU member states, as well as nationals from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, are among those who need the ETA. You can check your eligibility and apply online or through the official UK ETA app.

UK ETA Requirements by Country — Europe

European citizens represent the largest group of UK ETA applicants. Since Brexit, all EU and EEA nationals must obtain an ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom. Here is a breakdown of the UK ETA requirements by country across Europe, with links to detailed guides for each nationality.

UK ETA Requirements by Country — Americas and Asia-Pacific

Travellers from the Americas and Asia-Pacific represent a significant portion of UK visitors. The ETA process is the same for all nationalities — the key differences lie in passport validity requirements and specific travel patterns. Below you will find the UK ETA requirements by country for these regions.

Americas: Citizens of the United States and Canada must apply for the UK ETA before departure. American travellers can also find state-specific guides on our dedicated US travel portal. Visitors from Brazil who hold a valid passport can also apply for the ETA.

Asia-Pacific: Japanese, South Korean, Malaysian, and Australian passport holders all require a UK ETA. For travellers from India, China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, please note that a standard visa may be required instead — check the specific country guide for details.

UK ETA Requirements by Country — Middle East and Other Regions

Nationals from the Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as Turkey and Israel, are eligible for the UK ETA. These countries have strong trade and tourism ties with the United Kingdom, and the ETA simplifies the entry process significantly compared to a traditional visa.

How to Apply for the UK ETA

The application process is the same regardless of your nationality. You can apply online through the UK government website or use the official UK ETA app. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid passport, a recent digital photograph, and a payment method. Most applications are approved within 72 hours, though some may take longer — read our guide on UK ETA processing times for more details.

UK ETA Fees, Validity and Special Cases

The current UK ETA fee is £10 per person, with a planned increase to £20. The ETA is valid for two years and allows unlimited entries. If you are travelling with children or as a family, each person — including babies — needs their own ETA. For transit and cruise passengers, the ETA is also required even if you are not leaving the airport or port. Travellers with dual nationality should apply using the passport they intend to travel with.

Find UK ETA Information in Your Language

We understand that navigating visa and travel requirements in a foreign language can be challenging. That is why our team maintains dedicated UK ETA guides in multiple languages, written by native speakers who understand the specific concerns and travel patterns of each nationality. Select your language below to access the full guide:

• Polish: Przewodnik po UK ETA dla Polaków — etawiza.pl
• French: Guide complet de l’ETA britannique — eta-uk.fr
• Italian: Guida completa all’ETA britannico — eta-uk.it
• Spanish: Guía completa del ETA del Reino Unido — etavisauk.es
• Dutch: Volledige gids voor het Britse ETA — eta-uk.nl
• Belgian Dutch: ETA-gids voor Belgische reizigers — etauk.be
• German: UK ETA Leitfaden auf Deutsch — visaeta.de
• Swedish: Komplett guide till UK ETA — etavisauk.se
• Romanian: Ghid complet ETA Regatul Unit — etauk.ro
• Danish: Komplet guide til UK ETA — eta-uk.dk
• US English: UK ETA Guide for American Travellers — etavisauk.us
• Global English: UK ETA Global Guide — etavisauk.org

Frequently Asked Questions About UK ETA Requirements by Country

Do all countries need a UK ETA to visit the United Kingdom?

No. The UK ETA is only required for nationals of countries that previously enjoyed visa-free access to the UK. Citizens from countries that require a standard visa (such as many African and some Asian nations) must still apply for a visa instead. The ETA applies to nationals of EU/EEA countries, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. Check the full list of eligible countries.

How much does the UK ETA cost and is the fee the same for every country?

Yes, the UK ETA fee is the same for all nationalities — currently £10 per person. There is no discount for children or group applications. A fee increase to £20 is expected in 2026.

Can I use the UK ETA for business travel?

Yes, the UK ETA permits short-term business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations. However, it does not allow you to take up employment in the UK. For work purposes, a separate work visa is required.

What happens if my UK ETA application is refused?

If your UK ETA is refused, you will receive a notification explaining the reason. Common reasons include incomplete information, a criminal record, or security concerns. You can reapply or seek a standard visa depending on your circumstances.

Is the UK ETA the same as the EU ETIAS?

No. The UK ETA and EU ETIAS are separate systems. The UK ETA is for travel to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The ETIAS (once launched) will be required for non-EU citizens travelling to the Schengen Area. If you plan to visit both the UK and mainland Europe, you will need both authorisations.

Do children and babies need their own UK ETA?

Yes, every traveller — including infants and children — requires their own UK ETA linked to their own passport. Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of minors through the same online process.

Can I find UK ETA information in my own language?

Yes. We provide comprehensive UK ETA guides in 12 languages including Polish, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, German, Swedish, Romanian, and Danish. Scroll up to the “Find UK ETA Information in Your Language” section to find the guide in your preferred language.

How long does the UK ETA last and can I make multiple trips?

The UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of issue or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner). It allows unlimited entries to the UK during this period, with each stay limited to a maximum of six months.

What is the difference between a UK ETA and a UK visa?

The UK ETA is simpler, cheaper, and faster than a traditional visa. It is designed for short visits (tourism, business, transit) and does not allow work or long-term stay. A visa is required for employment, study, or stays longer than six months.

Understanding the UK ETA requirements by country is the first step toward a smooth and hassle-free journey to the United Kingdom. Whether you are visiting London, exploring the Scottish Highlands, or conducting business in Manchester, make sure you have your ETA approved before you travel. For country-specific details, use the links above or visit the guide in your language for step-by-step instructions tailored to your nationality.