Visa and entry update · United Kingdom
UK ETA Travel Update: Check Before You Fly
Understand who should verify UK Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements and where to apply officially.
Reviewed 9 September 2026 · 6 min read
Check the official eligibility tool
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for many visa-exempt visitors, but nationality, immigration status and journey type determine the rule. An ETA is permission to travel, not a guarantee of admission and not a substitute for a visa when a visa is required.
Apply through the government channel
Use GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app. Avoid websites that imitate government branding or add unnecessary service charges. Apply with the passport you will use and confirm the current fee, processing guidance and validity directly.
- •Check whether transit plans trigger a requirement.
- •Verify passport details before submitting.
- •Keep confirmation accessible during travel.
- •Recheck rules before departure.
Checked September 28, 2026
Entry requirements can change without matching older articles or videos. Treat this page as planning context and the UK government page as the authority.
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