The UK doesn't use ETIAS. It has its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): it costs £20 (since 8 April 2026), lasts 2 years or until your passport expires and is mandatory for visitors who don't need a visa, including Americans, Canadians, Australians and Europeans. Some nationalities need a UK visa instead.
The UK ETA in a nutshell
| Cost | £20 |
| Validity | 2 years or until your passport expires |
| Where | UK ETA app or gov.uk |
| Who | Visa-free visitors: Europeans, the US, Canada, Australia and others |
| Exempt | British and Irish citizens, and people with permission to live, work or study in the UK |
Every traveler needs their own, including babies and children. You also need one if you transit and go through UK border control.
ETA or visa?
It depends on your nationality, and the list doesn't match ETIAS: some countries that are visa-exempt for Europe need a UK visa. Check the official gov.uk/check-uk-visa tool before you book.
The UK and ETIAS
They're two separate permits: the ETA to enter the UK and ETIAS (once it starts) to enter the EU. British citizens will need ETIAS to visit the EU. Days in the UK don't count toward your Schengen 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need ETIAS to visit London?
No. For the UK you use the UK ETA (or a visa, depending on your passport).
How much is the UK ETA?
£20 since 8 April 2026.
Do EU citizens need a UK ETA?
Yes, EU citizens need an ETA to visit the UK, except Irish citizens.
Keep reading
Sources
- GOV.UK: Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
- GOV.UK: Home Office fees, 8 April 2026
- GOV.UK: Check if you need a UK visa
This guide is independent and for information only. Rules can change: before you travel, always double-check on the official ETIAS website and with the authorities of the country you're visiting.