UK ETA Application for Families 2026 — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The UK ETA application for families in 2026 requires every eligible family member — adults and children alike — to have their own individual ETA linked to their passport. There is no joint family application. Each person pays £20 and completes a separate form, typically taking around 10 minutes per applicant. Most approvals arrive within a few hours, though the Home Office advises allowing 72 hours before travel (GOV.UK, 2025).

The UK ETA explained scheme became mandatory from 8 January 2025 for citizens of over 40 eligible countries. For families arriving from ETA-eligible nations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU countries, the ETA replaces the old visa waiver arrangement and must be obtained before booking a flight.

This guide walks through every step of the family application process, cost breakdowns, common errors, and key tips for making the experience as smooth as possible.

Who in Your Family Needs a UK ETA in 2026?

Every family member who holds a passport from an ETA-eligible country and plans to enter the UK needs their own ETA — including infants, toddlers, and teenagers. British and Irish citizens are fully exempt, as are those with a valid UK visa. If any family member holds a passport from a non-ETA country (such as India, China, or South Africa), they require a standard UK visitor visa instead (GOV.UK, 2025).

Here is a quick reference by age group:

If your family includes members with different nationalities — for example, one parent is Australian (ETA required) and the other is British (no ETA needed) — each person is assessed individually. Some family members may need an ETA while others do not.

How Much Does a UK ETA Cost for a Family?

The UK ETA costs £20 per person, with no family discount. A family of four (two adults, two children) pays a total of £80. According to the UK Home Office, the ETA fee rose from £16 to £20 per person on 8 April 2026 (UK Home Office, 2026). The fee is non-refundable, even if plans change, but the ETA is valid for two years and covers unlimited trips during that period.

Cost comparison for common family sizes:

For families who visit the UK regularly, the two-year validity makes the ETA excellent value. Each ETA is tied to a specific passport, meaning if a family member renews their passport, they must apply for a new ETA on the new document — even if the old one is still within its two-year window.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a UK ETA for Your Whole Family

To apply for UK ETAs for your entire family, use the official UK ETA app (iOS and Android) or visit the GOV.UK website. You can manage all family applications from a single account — this is the most efficient approach. You will need each family member’s passport, a photograph of their face, and a payment card. Set aside around 45–60 minutes for a family of four and apply at least 72 hours before departure (GOV.UK, 2025).

Step-by-step process:

1. Create an account on the UK ETA app or GOV.UK ETA portal.
2. Add each family member individually using their passport details.
3. Scan passports using your phone’s camera for each person.
4. Upload a facial photo for each applicant (a current selfie or recent photo works).
5. Complete security questions for each family member — answer all questions truthfully.
6. Pay £20 per person — you can pay for each family member in sequence using the same card.
7. Await confirmation — emails are typically sent within a few hours; allow up to three working days.

It is important to apply using the official GOV.UK app only. A number of third-party websites offer UK ETA application services but charge significantly higher fees and have no official status. According to Trading Standards (2025), over 150 fraudulent ETA-related websites were identified and shut down in 2024 alone.

Applying for Children in Your Family — Key Rules

When applying for a child’s UK ETA, a parent or guardian completes the form on the child’s behalf. The ETA is linked to the child’s passport, not the parent’s. Children must travel on the same passport used in their ETA application — if they have recently renewed their passport, a new ETA is required. Never let a child travel on a passport different from the one linked to their approved ETA (UK Home Office guidance, 2025).

For the facial photo requirement, young children and infants can use a clear, recent family photo cropped to show only the child’s face — a formal passport photo is not required for the application itself. The UK visa for children offers further guidance on documentation requirements for minors.

Teenagers aged 16–17 may apply independently using their own account, though many families prefer to manage the application centrally through a parent’s account for simplicity. The family account approach is strongly recommended for coordinated travel.

Common Family Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common error in family UK ETA applications is a name mismatch: entering a child’s nickname or abbreviated name instead of their full legal name as printed on their passport. Even a missing middle name can cause an automatic system rejection. Always copy names character by character from the passport’s machine-readable zone (the two lines of text at the bottom of the photo page).

Other frequent mistakes include:

• Wrong date of birth: Double-check day and month — European (DD/MM/YYYY) and American (MM/DD/YYYY) formats differ.
• Applying on an expired passport: The passport must remain valid for the entire trip.
• Overlooking children with new passports: After a passport renewal, a child’s old ETA is automatically invalidated. Always re-apply on the new passport.
• Not accounting for processing time: Most ETAs are approved quickly, but during peak summer season, allow at least 72 hours.

According to Home Office data, approximately 96% of UK ETA applications are approved within the standard timeframe (UK Home Office, 2025). Errors rather than refusals are the primary cause of disrupted family travel plans.

What to Do If a Family Member’s ETA Is Refused

If one family member’s ETA is refused, the rest of the family’s approved ETAs remain valid and are not affected. The refused applicant can re-apply online with corrected information, or apply for a standard visitor visa if the refusal is based on immigration or security grounds. There is no formal ETA appeal process, but the re-application route resolves the vast majority of refusals caused by data errors (UK Home Office, 2025).

If the refusal appears to relate to a more serious concern — such as prior overstaying in the UK or a criminal record — it is advisable to seek independent legal advice before re-applying. The how to appeal a UK visa rejection explains the steps involved in challenging an adverse immigration decision. Re-applying immediately without addressing the root cause of a refusal is unlikely to be successful.

UK ETA for Families Travelling via Heathrow or Gatwick

Families with connecting flights through Heathrow or Gatwick must also check whether the UK ETA “transit without visa” exemption applies. In most cases, passengers travelling airside (without passing through UK border control) do not need an ETA for a transit stop. However, if the family plans to clear UK immigration — even briefly — every eligible family member needs a valid ETA (UK Border Force, 2025).

The rules depend on the family’s nationality and the nature of the transit. The UK visa processing time guide confirms the most up-to-date processing times and route-specific rules. Families booking connecting flights should allow adequate time for any required checks, particularly with young children or pushchairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit a single ETA application for my whole family?

No. Each family member requires their own individual ETA application and payment. However, you can manage all applications from one account in the UK ETA app.

Is there a family discount for the UK ETA fee?

No. The standard fee of £20 per person applies to every applicant, regardless of age or family group size.

Can my baby travel without an ETA if they are on my passport?

No. If your baby has their own passport from an ETA-eligible country, they need their own ETA. UK border control links ETAs to individual passports — shared family passports are no longer issued by most countries.

What if we have different nationalities within our family?

Each family member is assessed based on their own passport. Those with ETA-eligible passports need an ETA; those with British, Irish, or non-ETA passports follow different rules.

How far in advance should a family apply for UK ETAs?

At least 72 hours before departure, though many families apply weeks in advance. The earlier you apply, the less stress if any corrections are needed.

Can I update a family member’s ETA if their travel dates change?

There is no need to update an ETA if your travel dates change — the ETA is not date-specific. It remains valid for two years from issue, regardless of when you travel within that window.

What happens at UK border control for a family with ETAs?

Each family member’s ETA is checked automatically when their passport is scanned at e-gates or by a border officer. No physical ETA document is needed, but carrying confirmation emails is recommended.

Last updated: June 2026