UK ETA for Families & Children 2026: Complete Guide for Travelling with Kids

Planning a family trip to the United Kingdom in 2026? Every member of your family — including babies, toddlers, and children of all ages — needs their own UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. There are no age exemptions.

This guide covers everything families need to know: how to apply for children’s ETAs, required documents, costs per family member, tips for smooth applications, and what to expect at the UK border with kids.

UK ETA Children: Does Every Child Need One?

Yes — every child needs their own UK ETA, regardless of age. This includes:

• Newborn babies
• Toddlers and infants
• School-age children
• Teenagers (under 18)

Each ETA must be linked to the child’s own passport. Children cannot travel on a parent’s passport for UK entry purposes. If your child doesn’t have their own passport yet, you’ll need to obtain one before applying for a UK ETA.

UK ETA Children: Costs for Families

The ETA fee is £16 per person, with no discounts for children or family group applications. Here’s what a typical family trip costs in ETA fees alone:

Family Size	ETA Cost	With VisaETA.uk Service
Couple (2 adults)	£32	£152 (£80 × 2)
Family of 3 (2 adults + 1 child)	£48	£228 (£80 × 3)
Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children)	£64	£304 (£80 × 4)
Family of 5 (2 adults + 3 children)	£80	£380 (£80 × 5)

Note: VisaETA.uk charges £80 per application (£16 official fee + £60 service fee for expert review and guidance).

UK ETA Children: How to Apply Step-by-Step

Step 1: Ensure Your Child Has Their Own Passport

Every child, including infants, needs their own individual passport. In many countries, child passport processing takes 4-6 weeks, so plan ahead. The passport must be valid for the entire duration of your UK trip.

Step 2: Download the UK ETA App

A parent or guardian applies on behalf of children under 18. Download the UK ETA app on your smartphone. You can submit multiple family applications from the same device.

Step 3: Select “Apply for Someone Else”

When starting the application, choose the option to apply on behalf of another person. You’ll need to indicate your relationship to the child (parent/legal guardian).

Step 4: Scan the Child’s Passport

Use your phone’s NFC to scan the chip in your child’s biometric passport. For non-biometric passports (common for young children in some countries), you can manually enter the passport details.

Step 5: Take or Upload the Child’s Photo

This is often the trickiest part for families. The photo requirements are the same as for adults:

• Clear, front-facing photo
• Neutral expression (slight smiles are generally acceptable for young children)
• Plain light background
• No pacifiers, toys, or other objects
• Child’s face must be fully visible

Tips for photographing babies and toddlers:

• Lay babies on a white sheet and photograph from above
• Have another adult hold the child and stand behind them (out of frame)
• Use natural light near a window for best results
• Take multiple photos and use the best one

Step 6: Answer Questions on the Child’s Behalf

Answer all security and personal information questions as they apply to the child. For young children, most criminal history and immigration questions will simply be “No.”

Step 7: Pay £16 Per Child

Each child’s application requires a separate £16 payment. You can use the same payment method for all family members.

Step 8: Repeat for Each Family Member

Submit a separate application for every person travelling, including both parents/guardians and all children.

UK ETA Children: Special Family Situations

Single Parent or Guardian Travelling with Children

While the UK ETA application doesn’t require consent from the other parent, UK border officers may ask questions if a child is travelling with only one parent. It’s recommended to carry:

• A consent letter from the non-travelling parent
• A copy of the child’s birth certificate
• Court orders relating to custody (if applicable)
• Death certificate if the other parent is deceased

Children Travelling with Grandparents or Other Relatives

Children travelling with non-parent guardians should carry:

• Written authorisation from both parents
• Contact details for both parents
• Copy of the child’s birth certificate
• The guardian’s identification documents

Children with Different Nationalities Than Parents

If your child holds a different passport than you (e.g., through the other parent), each person applies for an ETA based on their own nationality. A child with a British passport does NOT need an ETA. A child with an EU passport will need an ETA (as of 2 April 2025).

Adopted Children

Adopted children need an ETA like any other child. Carry your adoption certificate and legal documentation, as border officers may request proof of relationship.

Children with Special Needs

The UK ETA application process is the same for children with special needs. However, UK airports offer extensive assistance for families with disabilities — contact your airline and the airport’s special assistance team before travel.

UK ETA Children: At the Border

When arriving in the UK with your family:

1. Use the eGates (automated) — Children aged 12+ can use eGates with biometric passports. Children under 12 must go through staffed border control.
2. Keep documents accessible — Have all passports, consent letters, and supporting documents ready.
3. Be patient — Family processing can take longer, especially during peak hours.
4. Declare everything — If asked about the purpose of your visit, explain your family holiday plans clearly.

UK ETA Children: Family-Friendly Travel Tips

• Apply for all family ETAs at once — Submit all applications on the same day to avoid tracking different approval dates
• Screenshot your confirmations — Save approval emails/screenshots for every family member
• Check passport expiry dates for all family members — Children’s passports often have shorter validity periods (5 years vs 10 years for adults)
• Remember the 2-year validity — Your family’s ETAs will be valid for multiple UK trips over 2 years
• Plan for passport renewals — If a child’s passport expires, their ETA becomes invalid. You’ll need a new passport AND a new ETA

UK ETA Children: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for my whole family’s ETA at once?

Not in a single combined application — each family member needs a separate individual application. However, one parent can submit all applications from the same device, one after another. Using VisaETA.uk’s advisory service, we can help manage the entire family’s applications together.

What if one family member’s ETA is denied but others are approved?

Each application is assessed individually. If one family member is denied (e.g., due to a criminal record or documentation issue), the other approved ETAs remain valid. The denied family member can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead, which allows for more supporting documentation.

Do babies under 1 year really need an ETA?

Yes. There is no age exemption for the UK ETA. Every person, regardless of age, needs their own approved ETA linked to their own valid passport. The application process is the same, though the photo step can be challenging for very young infants.

Can I use a family member’s credit card to pay for children’s ETAs?

Yes. Any valid credit or debit card can be used to pay the £16 fee for each family member’s application. The cardholder does not need to match the applicant.

What if my child’s passport expires before our trip?

You’ll need to renew the child’s passport first, then apply for a new UK ETA linked to the new passport number. The old ETA becomes invalid when the old passport expires. Allow extra time — children’s passport renewals can take 4-6 weeks.

Are there any family discounts for the UK ETA?

No. The UK government charges a flat £16 per person regardless of age or family size. There are currently no family packages or group discounts available for the ETA.

Important Disclosure: VisaETA.uk is an independent advisory service and is not affiliated with the UK Government or Home Office. The official ETA fee is £16 per person (including children). Our service fee covers application review, error checking, and family guidance. Apply officially at gov.uk.

Official Sources & References

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

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).

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

Related UK ETA Guides

• UK ETA Ireland Travel & Children
• How to Apply for UK ETA Online
• UK ETA Photo Requirements
• UK ETA Fees and Costs